On its bulletin boards and newsletters, the Mancos Public Library reflects a flourishing institution, partnering with local organizations for fundraising and hosting youth programs, yoga and music events.
For Executive Director Jared Boudreaux, the uptick in library visits is a delight as well as a sign the library will survive his departure later this month. He sat down with The Journal Tuesday to reflect on his time as director.
“We're very much on a good path forward,” Boudreaux said.
Hailing from small town Louisiana and commencing his role in 2022, Boudreaux is proud of how kids programs developed during his tenure. During the school year, weekly Friday events invite children to engage in arts and science activities as well as playtime accompanied by a free lunch.
“We cap out at 20 kids per week to be able to attend and we fill up in minutes,” Boudreaux said. “That's fantastic just knowing how many parents and teachers really love our Friday program and how many kids it helps get used to coming to the library.”
Anne Benson, president of the fundraising organization supporting the library, Mancos Friends of the Library, applauded his work connecting with schools, securing funds and investing in community programs.
“He's been really community minded,” Benson said. “He’s made improvements and it's working. It's a good library.”
Boudreaux brought his own flavor to the director role. As a graduate in film studies, he formed the Cult Movie Federation of Mancos which screens cult classics like Eraserhead and The Big Lebowski once a month at the Mancos Opera House.
“Libraries are one of the only careers that you can bring your own personal interests and passions into and make it a part of work ... just bringing in the things that you like and making it available to everybody else in the community,” Boudreaux said.
Library staff – beyond being literature or film fanatics – are also essential service providers, Boudreaux said. From offering free internet and computer access, to an air-conditioned or heated place to rest, to sparking important conversations, Boudreaux believes in the necessity of the small-town library.
“We're one of the very few – if not the only – locations where you can just come here and exist,” Boudreaux said. “You can socialize, you could take a nap, you could read a book, you could look something up – whatever you need. We’re here to help make that easier for you.”
One of these services is a free legal clinic hosted by the Mancos Public Library monthly, offering pro bono advice from lawyers via video chat.
“If a library were to disappear from a community, I feel like it would be noticed very quickly,” Boudreaux said. “A lot of these societal issues all sort of congregate at the library.”
Boudreaux said it saddens him to see libraries in his home state at risk as communities vote against renewing the property taxes that fund them – something he’s grateful Mancos residents have not done. Their continued support of the library contributes to an uplifting symbiotic relationship between the community and the library.
“We get little – if any – people who are like, ‘I'm so upset with how much money the library is taking in,’” Boudreaux said.
It’s not all been smooth sailing, however. Boudreaux said through his tenure he learned the importance of difficult conversations and the ability of a library to spur them on. In 2024, the library approved the monthlong display of a crocheted mural, traveling across the state, depicting the words “Freedom to Choose” in protest of abortion restrictions.
In a board meeting Boudreaux said was unusually packed, residents voiced opposition and support for the artwork. The mural was not removed prematurely, and Boudreaux was glad it initiated a community discussion.
“At its core, all libraries are here for is we're here to help facilitate conversations, learning, understanding,” Boudreaux said.
Now the board is searching for a new director as Boudreaux prepares to take his exit on June 26. He said there’s been one applicant so far but expects more in the coming months.
Boudreaux is excited for his new job working remotely in digital asset management, which will allow him to travel more. However, it’s still bittersweet.
“It’s such a nice library,” Boudreaux said. “I hate to leave it.”
avanderveen@the-journal.com
