Longtime library director Lisa Rice announced her retirement earlier this winter and just concluded an impressive career in librarianship at the beginning of this month. Her many years of library service benefitted not only our local community but, through her activities in professional organizations, communities throughout Kentucky and around the nation as well. She garnered many accolades over the years, most recently the well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kentucky Library Association (KLA).
Lisa began working for Bowling Green Public Library in the 1980s as a student worker while attending Western Kentucky University. With an undergraduate degree in Library Media Education, she worked as school librarian in Butler County for 10 years. She earned a Masters in LME from WKU; in 2000, she left the school system to become the public library’s Assistant Director. In 2008, when the library became a county-wide taxing district, she became Director of the newly established Warren County Public Library. She also taught a number of courses as an adjunct instructor for WKU’s Library Media Education department in her off hours.
Known for her professional dedication, Lisa was active and influential in library organizations throughout her career. She presented regularly at state conferences and mentored many new directors, managers, and professionals. Active on the national stage, she served as a Chapter Councilor for the American Library Association (ALA), worked with The Campaign for America’s Libraries, and chaired its National Library Week committee. She was on the board of the Southeastern Library Association. She served on, as well as chaired, numerous committees for the Kentucky Public Library Association (KPLA). She was president of KPLA (2006) and KLA (2012). Locally she is active in Kiwanis, having served as president in 2018.
A consummate advocate, Lisa worked tirelessly to make positive changes throughout the library world. Often the point person for advocacy efforts, she stayed connected to politicians by regularly participating in National Legislative Days in Washington, DC, as well as Kentucky Legislative Days in Frankfort.
Above all, Lisa cared about making a positive impact on the community. She oversaw multiple library expansions, renovations, and building projects and has always sought innovative ways of reaching the underserved. Since its inception, she played an instrumental role in the SOKY Book Fest partnership with WKU Libraries and Barnes & Noble Booksellers, bringing in best-selling authors, nationally known celebrities, and internationally known experts to the festival, schools, and the library. Most recently, Lisa jumped in to coordinate extensive outreach following Bowling Green’s December 2021 tornados, helping provide relief and support where needed. She volunteered many hours collecting and distributing items, as well as providing emotional support to families with on-the-ground library programming, working closely with local school systems and the Red Cross.
Lisa’s quality of work and strong leadership is reflected in the numerous awards she’s received, which include the following:
•Champions for Children Commitment, Impact & Service Award (Tri-SKY Collaborative Early Childhood Council), 2022
•Peggy Sullivan Award for Public Library Administrators Supporting Services to Children (ALA), 2017.
•James A. Nelson Library Advocate Award, (KLA), 2016
•Outstanding Advocacy Award (Friends of KY Libraries), 2016
•Certificate of Commendation for the Southern Kentucky Book Fest (AASL), 2012
•Outstanding Public Library Service Award (KPLA), 2011
Reference and Technical Services Manager Holly Hedden, who worked under Lisa’s direction for two decades, notes the immense growth that took place under her leadership. “During Lisa’s tenure, WCPL has expanded access via community outreach services, broadened collections to offer extensive digital content, and implemented changes to reduce barriers to library service for all patrons. She has also been instrumental in bringing new opportunities for enrichment, connection, and literacy development to families; and world-class authors, explorers, and other speakers to Warren County.”
“I have always been amazed at Lisa’s creative vision and her ability to lead our library system toward innovation and excellence,” said Ashley Fowlkes, Digital Content Manager. “She has left an indelible impression on our library system and on our community at large. She is physically leaving the library system, but her impact will carry on in spirit for many years to come.”
-submitted by Warren County Public Library
