Greene County native takes leadership role at public library

SNOW HILL — Lifelong Greene County resident Jenna Sayland has stepped into a leadership role at the Greene County Public Library after building experience in youth programming, community service and library operations.

Sayland officially became branch manager July 1. She said the position combines her longtime interest in literature with her desire to serve the community where she was raised.

“I have been born and raised in Greene County,” Sayland said. “I’ve been here all my life.”

Sayland said her family has deep roots in the county, including connections to the Gooch family and Greene County’s historic community.

Her interest in library work began while she was a student, with encouragement from English teacher Jennifer Edwards and librarian Jill Whitson.

“They essentially cultivated my love for literature and my love and passion for serving my community,” Sayland said.

Sayland recently graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in applied sociology. She said sociology and library science complement each other because both involve understanding people, communities and their needs.

Before becoming branch manager, Sayland worked at the Greene County Public Library beginning in 2023. For approximately a year, she served as the library’s youth services programmer.

That position gave her experience working with children, planning activities and becoming familiar with the library’s patrons and daily operations.

Sayland said the branch manager’s responsibilities extend beyond overseeing the building and staff.

“I do a lot of those things, but I also do things like programming and offer excellent customer service to our community,” she said. “Above all else, I try to be a solid community member for not only our patrons, but also for my staff as well.”

One of the biggest surprises since taking the position has been the amount of encouragement she has received.

Sayland expected support from regular library patrons, but she said other residents have also approached her while she was completing errands or going about her day.

“It was really surprising to go out into the community and have people come up to you and acknowledge who you are in the community and your role,” Sayland said.

She said many residents have also expressed excitement about what the leadership change could mean for the library.

Sayland sees the Greene County Public Library as more than a place to borrow books. She described it as a connection point for information, technology and community interaction.

“It serves as the bridge between knowledge, technology and social engagement for patrons,” Sayland said.

She said some residents rely on the library for services they may not otherwise be able to access, including internet service, computers and technology assistance.

While many patrons know about the library’s craft activities, computer help and book collection, Sayland said fewer people are familiar with the free digital resources available through Neuse Regional Libraries.

Those resources include NC LIVE, which provides access to educational databases, career development tools, language-learning programs and streaming content such as documentaries and children’s films.

The library system also provides access to NCpedia, an online resource containing information about North Carolina history, state parks, art and culture.

“I feel like those are things that people don’t typically think to look for,” Sayland said.

Other popular services include mobile internet hotspots, children’s activities and traditional library materials.

The Greene County Public Library currently offers children’s story time at 10 a.m. Wednesdays. Its MasterChef Junior cooking program is held at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month.

As she begins her new position, Sayland said she hopes more residents will visit and discover what the library has to offer.

“I would tell them to just come out and see us,” Sayland said. “We would love to meet you, and you might even find that while you’re here, we might have some great programming or maybe even a great book that you can check out.”

Her message to residents who have not visited recently is simple.

“Just come see us,” Sayland said.