The Librarian Is In: Megan Haddix

She's finally getting comfortable in her chair. The library got an overhaul this summer, with new windows, carpet, paint and shelves for the children's section; it's starting to look a little more up to date. As the previous library director stepped down and moved on, Megan Haddix took the seat in November, just before Thanksgiving.

For Haddix, it was a natural progression and fit perfectly in with her passion. Some around the community might recognize the name, as she's previously served on the board for the Fort Peck Fine Arts Council. She's also helped with the Wheatgrass Arts & Gallery and some of her own artwork on display. She still volunteers for the Fort Peck Theatre in the summers. She's always had an interest in art, art history and libraries. She said growing up she spent lots of time at the library and her more recent favorite book is "Brain on Fire."

"I was hesitant to apply on my qualifications, but I've always wanted to work in a library," Haddix said. "It's something I always wanted to do."

While she was hesitant on her qualifications, she's actually working in a field that she was looking for. She graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula with a degree in fine arts and a minor in anthropology. She had planned to get a master's in art history or library science. She explained that there are a lot of similarities by the way you categorize artwork and the way you categorize novels.

She didn't quite make it towards her master's degree. After graduating she found herself working for the community medical center in Missoula, on the administration side. She was surprised by how much she enjoyed it. She was also surprised what the health industry had to offer.

"But I still had a goal to pursue what I went to school for," Haddix said.

She couldn't find work in the area that had anything to do with her major, or her passion. Her husband got a job at Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Glasgow and they decided to move here. She's been living in the Fort Peck community for nearly a decade. Originally they moved here with a decision that if they didn't like it, after two years they would maybe look elsewhere for work.

She worked for a long time for Francis Memorial Deaconess Hospital in administration. She said she liked her job, but that nagging feeling of pursuing her passion was there. She went to work temporarily at the Glasgow Job Service. She explained that position was extremely eye opening. She learned about not only the perspective of the employee, but the perspective of employers. She also learned about the vast amount of resources located at the job service. During her short time there, she was allowed to look for jobs.

"Strange enough it just all worked itself out," Haddix said.

Former director Emily Wilson was getting ready to leave her position, so Haddix applied for the job. She interviewed and was selected in about a two-month process. So far she's really enjoyed her time at the library and feels lucky to have found the position close to home.

"I love the community, I love helping people and here we get to do that every day," Haddix said.

She explained that she is grateful to follow in Wilson's footprints as the library saw so many improvements and changes. She's hoping to keep that momentum going and eventually wants to see the adult section get a revamp. She said that they are also taking steps to look at new ideas.

The public will be welcome to an open house on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. It'll be a meet and greet and a chance to show off the children's section and the improvements. It'll also be a chance to meet Haddix and meet some of the new staff members.