Hello!  My name is Prudie Thomas, and I am very excited to represent the Upper Cumberland Region Librarians on the KASL Board.  I have been the library media specialist at Middlesboro Elementary School for thirteen years.  I love my job, but I love my family even more.  I have three children; Taylor, Tyson, and Daniel who get my full attention after my workday is through.  Serving on the board is an honor for me and I cannot wait to learn and share with my fellow colleagues across our great state!

What librarian mentor, if any, has played a role in your professional life?  How?

When I was in the Fourth Grade, my family moved away from the community and school that I have known my entire life.  I was enrolled in a new school, in a new state the second half of that school year.  My mother was working on her degree to be a school teacher at Lincoln Memorial University after being a stay home mother.   She received a teaching job the beginning of my Fifth Grade year back in our home county.

I was yet again the “new girl” in less than 6 months.  Fifth Grade girls aren’t always the most welcoming to a brand new girl when they have all been friends since Kindergarten.  My librarian, Betty Clark, at Blackmont Elementary School recognized my love of books immediately.  She took a young girl who was struggling to transition one more time, under her wing.

Mrs. Clark made sure her library was always open and welcome.  I was allowed to come anytime I needed a “new book” to read.  She was the kindest person I have ever known.  It was not only her skills as a librarian and helping me find the perfect book to read, but her heart to help a struggling young girl make it in a new environment.  I knew someday, I wanted to be like Mrs. Clark.  To this day, I still try and call everyone of my 500 students by name and speak to them in the hallways because of the difference Mrs. Clark made in my life.

Prudie Thomas
prudie.thomas@mboro.kyschools.us
Upper Cumberland President
Middlesboro Elementary School
Twitter:  @prudie_t