Our History

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Wessie Connell 1939-1987

What was known as the Cairo Public Library began in January of 1939. The small library was located on the second floor of City Hall and was led by an outstanding woman who possessed a strong commitment to serve the community. In 1964 the Library moved into a new building on North Broad Street, a gift of the Roddenbery Family to the community.  Wessie Connell was the library’s director for the first 48 years until her death in 1987. “Miss Wessie” became a legend in Georgia and is well respected throughout the library world. Following her death, Frank Bennett, Technical Services Librarian, served as acting director for nine months. 

 

David Eden 1988-1992

David E. “Dave” Eden was hired in June 1988 as the second library director. Dave brought a new vitality to the library. The library was in the middle of an expansion/remodeling project that Wessie had started. Dave took over the completion of the project and introduced a library automation system to the library. Dave, having degrees in education and library science, boosted the summer reading program attendance and incorporated his creativity in the arts to all he did. There was no such thing as clip art, Dave hand drew everything!  Dave was a hands-on librarian being involved in every aspect of the job. In 1992, Dave moved to Thomasville to take the on the Director role at the Thomas County Library. Another building project was on the horizon for him and he couldn’t resist.

 

Alan Kaye 1992-2010

Alan Kaye became RML’s third director on July 1, 1992. Through Alan’s leadership and direction, the library entered the internet age by becoming one of the State’s five test-site libraries to host the internet. It wasn’t much longer before the community was introduced to email and the world wide web! The library grew to new levels with increased staff, revenue, patronage, and a healthy materials collection. The library building had small modifications done to it over those years, most notably the Grady room and used bookstore building. Alan was very active in the local community  and the state library association, as well as being a musician and playing in a local bluegrass band. Alan retired in September 2010 and moved to Alabama.

 

Pamela Grigg 2011-2019

Pamela Grigg became the fourth director on June 1, 2011. She brought enthusiasm for libraries and programming. Many programs were added during Pam’s tenure as the push for STEM programming was being encouraged in schools and libraries. Pam initiated the 2nd building renovation after a $300,000 bequest was left to the library by Frank and Joyce Pickens. Pam retired in May of 2019 after the renovation was complete.

 

Janet Boudet, 1989-2025

After more than 36 years of dedicated service, Janet Boudet retired as Director of Roddenbery Memorial Library in December 2025. She joined the library in 1989 as a Reference and Public Services Librarian and later served in several leadership roles, including Assistant Director beginning in 1993. Janet was named Acting Director during leadership transitions in 2010 and 2019 before being appointed Director in 2019. During her tenure, she helped guide the library through major renovations, advances in technology, and continued growth in community programs and services.

Known for her deep commitment to the community and her passion for helping patrons of all ages, Janet leaves a lasting legacy at Roddenbery Memorial Library. Her leadership and dedication helped shape the library into the welcoming and vibrant community resource it is today.

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Karen Thompson, 2026-Present

Karen Thompson was selected as the 6th Director of Roddenbery Memorial Library and began in January 2026. She brings extensive experience in public library leadership, having previously served as Deputy Director and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Ocmulgee Regional Library System and as Branch Manager for the Tifton-Tift County Public Library and Rockmart Public Library.

Karen earned her Master of Library Science, summa cum laude, from Valdosta State University and has completed additional training in library finance through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. She is a graduate of the American Library Association’s Director Bootcamp and is an active member of the American Library Association and a Rotarian.

Karen is passionate about strengthening communities through literacy, access to resources, and innovative library services.

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