Erin Busbea — Director, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System, Columbus, MS & Board Treasurer

Erin Busbea, Director of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System (CLPLS) in Columbus, Mississippi, didn't set out to be a librarian. An undergraduate psychology major with plans to become a therapist, she'd been working at her hometown library since age 15—after school, on weekends, even in college. It finally dawned on her that she could make a career out of it. "I've always liked working with people," she states, "so getting my master's in library science just felt like a natural extension."

Since joining CLPLS in 2008, Erin has played a key role in developing the system into the remarkable entity it is today. With locations in rural Artesia, Caledonia, and Crawford, the library works to extend services to all. "What's special about us is the way we connect people," Erin says. "Our library system is about more than books." Despite budget reductions, her staff has been amazingly resilient and resourceful, always finding ways to make things happen for their community.

Although Erin is finishing her term as ARSL's Board Treasurer (2023 - 2025), her relationship with the organization dates back much further. Her first ARSL conference was in Omaha in 2013, and she knew right away something was different. "I had been to conferences prior and always felt somewhat intimidated, but this one was different. Everyone was friendly and had the same stories to tell." That inaugural experience ignited a determination to remain engaged through committees, conference volunteering, and board service.

Her advice to small and rural library workers? "Embrace the challenges and see them as opportunities. Learn to know your community, collaborate, and remember that even small programs can have a large impact."

"Now more than ever, we're all in the trenches together, and ARSL provides a space for us to lean on one another and remind ourselves that we're not alone."

Erin Busbea Board Bio

Written by the ARSL Office