Davis works with things she loves: books and people

Books and people are Donna Davis' passions.

The assistant director of Public Services for the Hattiesburg and Petal public libraries, Davis works with ages ranging from small children to older adults to constantly improve the services that both libraries offer to the public.

With a bachelor's degree from Millsaps and a master's degree in library science from the University of Southern Mississippi, Davis believes the library is an important service that provides the resources to help people from all walks of life.

Originally from Petal, Davis is a Hattiesburg resident.

The Hattiesburg American recently caught up with Davis to discuss the job, people and how a book can change a person's life.

Q. What's your job description?

A. With respect to public service, I work with the Petal and Hattiesbsurg libraries. I work with colleagues to develop library services. I work with volunteers. I run three book clubs where I select and try to read ahead of them.

Q. Why do you love your job?

A. I love the fact that I do something different every day. I interact with every kind of person of every age and education who needs information, resources, computers or even the latest novel.

I'm very lucky because I've found something that I love to do, and I do important work. I like being a public servant and being helpful. It was just a natural fit - books and people.

Q. Why is the work you do important?

A. I've always believed that the power of books can change people's lives. I see the kids in the library, and I hope that they'll come across that one book that makes them realize the possibilities in life and the opportunities in their own lives. Nothing is more transforming than the bower of books. Reading and education make you realize you can do what you want with your life.

Q. What are some of the challenges in your job?

A. The biggest advantage and the biggest challenge in my job is the technology at the library. It changes so much. We've made so many changes to computers and software. We're wireless and we have the catalogue available on computer. It requires time and great services, but you can't forget the books in the process. When technology changes, it's challenging, especially if you keep the idea that you're serving the public in mind.

Q. You run three different book clubs. How do you pick what they read?

A. I normally pick books that will inspire good discussions. I try to pick books that show different parts of the world, with different viewpoints that readers can enjoy. I try to stay away from mysteries because they don't really do that. To me, a great book club book opens up a different part of the world and you learn something you wouldn't have otherwise. One of my favorite things is when people in book club say, "I never would have read this book if it hadn't been for book club."

Q. What is your favorite book?

A. You always read those columns in magazines: My Five Top Books. It's a hard question, but I read a lot of Jane Austen. Her book "Persuasion" is probably her best book. Another one is Richard Powers. He's a fiction writer, and his book "Gold Bug Variations" is excellent. I can't give you a top five, but those two definitely make my list.