When Jeanne Hamilton saw a job posting on a library discussion board, she knew she wanted to become the director of the Charleston Carnegie Public Library.

One year later Hamilton, who used to work as the assistant director for the public library in Effingham, said the past year since she took on the role of director has not been without challenges.

“I’ve definitely become more confident in making decisions,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said she has had to learn to make quick decisions and know when a decision might take a little more time.

Hamilton said the type of crowd differs from the previous library she directed in Effingham because of Eastern’s student population.

After Hamilton’s husband, who previously worked in the technology department at the University of Illinois, received a job from the technology department at Eastern, the couple moved to Charleston.

Hamilton said she had already been living in Charleston when she saw the job listing.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said she really enjoys being a part of the Charleston community and the small town feel of the city.

Hamilton, who majored in actuarial science, said she wanted a career that was more involved with the public and learned more about library sciences.

Hamilton said she did her post-graduate degree with library sciences, as well.

“I just knew I didn’t want to sit behind a desk all day,” she said.

“The students definitely bring a different aspect to it. I think at this library we have a lot more students coming using the library to study,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said Eastern students do frequent Mary J. Booth Library on campus, but also said she thinks the students who come to Carnegie want to get away from the “hustle and bustle of campus” at Booth Library.

Hamilton said the older parts of the building offer different nooks and corners that are quieter, as well as re servable study rooms.

Hamilton said the library has four meeting rooms and two study rooms that Hamilton estimates are used about 15 to 20 times a week.

Hamilton said the library’s place in the community has also changed over time.

“It’s more of a community place then it used to be,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said she listens to requests for books from the community and that the most common requested books are the current bestsellers and any book about to be made into the movie.

She said the book she gets asked about most often is “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett.

Hamilton also said “The Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins is also being requested because of its recent movie adaptation.

Hamilton said her favorite part of her job is helping people learn.

“(I enjoy) seeing the excited faces on the people when you find the book they’ve been hunting all over for or you offer the program that they’ve been wanting to learn about for a long time,” Hamilton said. “Seeing that you can really help someone learn or enjoy life more from what you’re able to offer.”

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.