Turning the Page: Celebrating Suzanne Manners' Legacy of Service

After years of dedicated service to the Wilkes County Public Library, Suzanne Manners

is preparing to retire, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond bookshelves and

buildings.

When reflecting on her time in Wilkes County, Suzanne points to Leadership Wilkes

through the Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce as one of the experiences that

helped shape her understanding of the community she would come to love. Through the

program, she was able to see different parts of the county, hear local stories, meet

community leaders, and gain a deeper appreciation for the people and organizations

that make Wilkes County special.

Those relationships would become a defining part of her career.

Over the years, Suzanne helped lead the library through tremendous growth. She has

seen new programs launched, spaces reimagined, partnerships formed, and community

needs met in creative ways. From opioid settlement grant initiatives and veteran-

focused programming to collaborations with the Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society,

community jam sessions, library lockers, gardening spaces, cooking programs,

renovations, and expanded educational opportunities, she has watched ideas become

realities.

But ask Suzanne what the library means, and her answer is simple:

“The library is the place for L.I.F.E. — learning, inspiration, fellowship, and enrichment.”

That belief has guided her work throughout her career. To Suzanne, the library has

never been just a place to check out books. It is a place where people continue to grow,

learn, and discover new possibilities at every stage of life.

One program that especially reflects that spirit is the Downtown Story Walk. Through

partnerships with businesses throughout downtown North Wilkesboro, pages of a children’s book are displayed in storefront windows, encouraging families to walk

downtown, visit local businesses, and enjoy reading together.

Suzanne is quick to point out that programs like these only happen because of strong

community partnerships. “We can’t have the library without the community,” she said.

In fact, one of her favorite reminders is that “the community is the heart of the library.”

Throughout her career, she has seen firsthand how libraries become gathering places

for people from every walk of life. They are places where someone can attend a class,

research a business idea, print important documents, meet with others, discover a new

hobby, or simply find a welcoming place to belong. Suzanne often refers to the library as “the people’s university.”

“It’s a place where you can expand on your interests, and it’s a place where you can find

yourself.” She also believes libraries play an important role in supporting all eight dimensions of wellness: emotional, physical, occupational, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, and financial wellness. Whether through educational programming, access to resources, community connections, or opportunities for personal growth, she has seen the library help people improve their lives in countless ways.

Outside the library, Suzanne enjoyed representing the organization throughout the

community. Chamber events, ribbon cuttings, parades, farmers' markets, and

community celebrations provided opportunities to connect with the people and

organizations working every day to make Wilkes County a better place.

As she prepares for retirement, Suzanne is optimistic about the future of the library

system. She expressed great confidence in Russell Taylor, the regional director, as he

will be overseeing the county library until the new county librarian is in place. She is

excited to see how he will continue building on the strong foundation that has been

established throughout the county.

Retirement will bring time with family, opportunities to volunteer, and new adventures

still waiting to be discovered. Anyone who knows Suzanne knows she will continue

finding ways to serve and invest in others wherever she goes.

Her impact on Wilkes County cannot be measured simply by programs launched or

projects completed. It can be found in the relationships she built, the partnerships she

encouraged, and the countless people who found inspiration, support, and opportunity

through the library during her tenure.

Downtown North Wilkesboro and Wilkes County as a whole are better because of Suzanne Manners, and while she may be retiring, the legacy she leaves behind will continue to benefit the community for years to come.

Written by: Doren Tripp, Thriving Business Committee Chair