Pittsburg Public Library Director Bev Clarkson is preparing to close a chapter that began over 25 years ago.
Clarkson’s final day at the library is Sept. 30, with a community retirement reception scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 29 at the library. The public is invited to attend and celebrate her quarter-century of service with refreshments and cake. The celebration will also welcome AnnDee Peterson, current assistant director, as the library’s incoming director starting Oct. 1.
She began her career at the library as a reference assistant, then youth services assistant and young adult librarian, assistant director, and eventually director.
One of her earliest accomplishments was helping create the library’s young adult programming. In the early 2000s, there was no dedicated teen space. Through a grant project, Clarkson transformed unused office space into a young adult area and developed programs specifically for teens.
There were overnight events, scary movie nights, tea parties, open mic nights, drive-in movies, and elaborate Halloween activities. Clarkson and longtime colleague Gail Sheppard often dressed in costume for programs, creating experiences that many local families still remember.
“We worked hard, but we had a lot of fun,” Clarkson said.
Among her favorite memories are the puppet shows that have become a beloved library tradition during Story Time. What began as a creative idea between coworkers evolved into productions complete with recorded dialogue, sound effects, and music.
“Kids love them,” she said. “That’s one of the things I’m most proud of.”
Clarkson helped teens create original films through the library’s Movie Makers Club. One project, an adaptation of author Bruce Coville’s short story “Duffy’s Jacket,” even received personal approval from Coville himself after Clarkson contacted him for permission.
Clarkson guided the library through significant changes in technology and public services over the past two decades.
When she started in 2000, the library still maintained card catalogs and had only a handful of public computers. Internet access was limited, and the library had yet to establish a computer lab. Today, the library offers many digital services, including digital collections, e-books, audiobooks, technology assistance, Wi-Fi access, hotspots, scanning services and device training. In recent years, the library has included a “Library of Things” that allows patrons to borrow items beyond books.
“Some patrons have never even come into the building,” Clarkson said. “They use our services entirely online.”
Despite those advances, Clarkson believes the essence of librarianship remains unchanged.
Libraries aren’t really about books,” she said. “They’re about people. We serve people in a variety of ways. Sometimes it’s books, sometimes it’s technology, sometimes it’s programs or information. But it’s always about people.
Clarkson
As director, Clarkson also championed local history and art preservation. One project particularly important to her involved restoring the legacy of Ella Buchanan, the library’s first librarian.
Buchanan served from 1901 to 1908 before leaving to attend the Art Institute of Chicago, where she developed a distinguished career as a sculptor and advocate for women’s suffrage. Through extensive research, Clarkson, along with Carol Ann Robb, retired Adult Services Librarian, and Reference staff tracked down Buchanan’s descendants and helped bring one of her sculptures back to the library, ensuring her contributions are not forgotten.
“Ella combines so many things I love,” Clarkson said. “History, the library, art, and a little bit of mystery.”
She also played a key role in preserving historic artwork housed in the library, including the restoration of a 1941 painting, “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” honoring Marcia Snedden. Snedden was from Pittsburg, and her life was tragically cut short in 1931 during a boating accident.
Looking back, Clarkson says she is proud of the programs, services, and projects completed during her tenure. What matters most about her career is the patrons and staff.
“I’ve worked with dedicated, creative, brilliant people over the years,” she said. “Anything we’ve accomplished happened because of them.”
After 25 years of service, with thousands of programs and countless young readers, Clarkson hopes the library’s impact on local families will continue for years to come.
“I’ve been honored and privileged to work for the people of Pittsburg,” she said. “They gave me way more than I ever gave them.”