Library director takes job in Bethel
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Kyle Clayton
Carolyn Goolsby was active in community life including singing opera during this Chilkat Center concert.
Haines Public Library director and community volunteer Carolyn Goolsby will end her tenure next month as she takes a job as director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Kuskokwim campus.
"I am very sad to leave Haines," Goolsby said. "I am going to really miss the community."
Since moving to town from Indianapolis in 2018, Goolsby joined myriad community organizations. She chairs the American Bald Eagle Foundation board, sits on the KHNS board of directors, is a member of the Chilkat Valley Orchard Project, the Women's Acappella Chorus and the Lynn Canal Community Players. She used her skills as an opera and show tunes singer and actor to raise funds for the Haines Friends of the Library and performed at past Holly Jolly Christmas Follies concerts. She also performed in the 2019 performance of Steel Magnolias.
The public library was rated as a Five Star library every year of her tenure, an award given to less than 2% of libraries nation-wide. It's also been nominated for and was a finalist for the National Medal in 2020.
"Only fifteen libraries in the country get that honor," Goolsby said. "We've been nominated for the National Medal three times since I've been here."
Library board member James Alborough said Goolsby has been a standout library director.
"One example of her contributions is how she skillfully enabled the library to provide much needed essential services to patrons during the challenging early days of the pandemic," Alborough said. "Her leadership, stability, and vision will be sorely missed by the board, staff and patrons alike."
Goolsby was a past department head at Florida State University and taught graduate level library science classes. Goolsby said a UAF faculty member asked her to apply for the position.
"They have been three and a half years with several interim directors," Goolsby said. "They needed someone with academic administrative experience, which I have. It turned out to be a great opportunity job wise. I think I'm going to really enjoy doing the job."
The board is meeting this week to discuss a secession strategy.
