By Miles Layton

GATESVILLE — Gates County has a new librarian, and she’s already thinking about the holidays.

Kelsey Coburn spent three years working under longtime Gates County librarian Pat Familar before Albemarle Regional Library lured her away to serve as a cataloger. On Wednesday night, she came home.

The Gates County Board of Commissioners formally welcomed Kelsey Coburn as the new branch manager of the Gates County Public Library during its regular meeting Wednesday at the historic courthouse, with Albemarle Regional Library Director Hugh Davis introducing her to the board.

Davis recalled how quickly the transition came together after Familar’s passing in early June.   

“On the 30th of May, Miss Pat Familar called me to tell me that she did not want to retire, but was going to have to,” Davis told commissioners. “And by that Friday, as you know, we had lost her.”

See our story about Pat’s passing here.

Davis said Familar had one wish for her successor: that Coburn take her place. He said soon after sending Familar’s retirement announcement, “Kelsey had let me know she wanted to take the position.” Coburn spent June training her own replacement as cataloger while easing into the manager’s role as summer reading programming got underway.

“All I can say is you all know you were well served by Miss Pat for 43 years,” Davis said. “I was very proud to be able to serve as her director, and now I’m very proud to have Kelsey in her place.”

Coburn, who is originally from Savannah, Georgia, and moved to Gates County after marrying a local man, told commissioners the library holds a personal significance beyond the job. She recalled that Familar insisted on throwing her and her husband a reception at the library after the couple married at the courthouse in February 2023 rather than let them settle for a quiet dinner out.

“Nobody’s going to love that library more than Miss Pat,” Coburn said. “I’m going to be honest with you guys, nobody can, because of who she was. But if there’s a runner-up for second place, I really think I might be there.”

Praising Familar’s legacy, Coburn said the library ran one of its most successful summer reading programs in years.

“I truly do believe people came out to support us after her passing. There was strong support from the library’s loyal patrons and their love for Pat.”

Coburn said the staff has revived several programs Familar championed, including twice-monthly story time and a new sensory play day. She said Merchants Millpond Park Ranger Allan Brown will now visit the library monthly, and that popular offerings like STEM night — Koepkes started STEM night — and the Lego Club — started by Tiffany Long — will continue. She also had reassurance for regulars awaiting a holiday tradition.

“We are going to be doing the wreath sale this year,” Coburn said. “So be prepared.”

More Gates Commission meeting news will appear in a future story.