Clayton Library Team Opens New Chapters in Connecting, Supporting, & Inspiring the Community
The Town of Clayton is honoring the dedicated staff at Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library for National Library Workers Day on Tuesday, April 8. Librarians do not just serve as the curators of books but as champions of literacy, access to information, and support for residents of all ages. Their hard work and commitment help connect people with resources, fostering a more informed and engaged community.
National Library Workers Day recognizes the tireless efforts of library staff across the country who help transform libraries into gathering spots. Libraries are more than buildings full of books. They are spaces where people come to learn, connect, and create. From hosting educational programs to offering technology resources and providing safe places for individuals to work and study, libraries continue to adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities in which they serve.
At the heart of Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is a team of passionate individuals, including Pam Taylor and Maria Bilichka, who go above and beyond to interact with patrons in meaningful ways. Pam, a Circulation and History Library Associate for nearly 20 years, has seen the library evolve from card catalogs to streamlined digital systems.
“When I first started here, we didn’t have computers for looking up books,” Taylor recalled. “We were still using a card catalog system. Then we upgraded, and the card catalog went online. Computer use became so much easier. Now, it’s all streamlined and much faster. All we need is an ID to confirm the current address.”
Taylor enjoys the challenge of helping patrons track down a book with just a few details, a request that comes up quite often and turns into a fun game as she works to piece together the clues and find the right book.
“We get a lot of people coming in saying, ‘I can’t remember the title, but I know the cover is green,’ or ‘It has a dog sitting beside a fence,’” she explained. “We start asking questions – do you remember the author’s first or last name? Or what’s the book about? Or any character names? From there, we start searching, and usually, we can figure out which book they’re looking for. It’s a bit of a puzzle, but it’s so satisfying when we help them find it.”
Bilichka, a Youth Services Associate for 10 years, has a similar dedication to supporting the library’s younger patrons. She thrives on small but impactful moments, such as when a parent tells her, “My child won’t stop reading! I told her to turn off the light, and 30 minutes later, she’s still reading.”
Also working closely with struggling readers, Bilichka provides tools like Wonder Books that allow kids to hear the story read aloud while following along with the text. “These resources not only improve a child’s confidence but also help them develop critical reading skills in a fun and engaging way,” she said. “It really gives the children a boost. When they can hear the correct pronunciation and see the words, it makes all the difference in building their skills and encouraging a love for reading.”
Bilichka and Taylor are also integral to the library’s outreach efforts, taking its resources, services, and programs beyond the building’s four walls to make them accessible to everyone in the community. They collaborate with local schools, senior centers, and community groups to help Clayton residents, regardless of age or background, discover everything the library offers.
Looking ahead, both Bilichka and Taylor are excited about the upcoming renovations to Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library. “The new layout will offer open spaces for collaboration while still providing areas for privacy,” Taylor shared. “It’s a perfect balance, especially for those who come here to study or work on personal projects.”
Bilichka is especially eager to see new spaces for kids to explore. “I’m looking forward to having a place where our kids can let their imaginations run wild and work together on creative projects,” she added.
The library’s $2.5 million renovation, set for completion in summer 2026, will modernize the space while preserving its historic charm. The project will create dynamic, interactive areas for learning, creativity, and connection with flexible seating arrangements and dedicated spaces for collaborative work.
To accommodate this renovation, Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library will temporarily relocate. Beginning in July 2025, library operations and a curated collection of materials will be available at the former Lipscomb’s Learning Center (446 East Second Street). This move allows the community to continue accessing essential library resources and services while the current facility undergoes its transformation, ultimately enhancing the space to better serve visitors.
