Judy Calhoun, recently retired Regional Library Director at Southeast Arkansas Regional Library (SEARL), headquartered in Monticello, AR — A Remarkable 32-year Legacy of Service to Southeast Arkansas.

---

After an incredible 32-year career, Judy Calhoun recently retired as Regional Library Director of the Southeast Arkansas Regional Library (SEARL), headquartered in Monticello, Arkansas. Serving five counties and nine libraries, SEARL’s regional model enabled resource sharing and practical cost-saving strategies such as rotating collections of large print, DVDs, and audiobooks. This approach ensured communities had consistent access to enriching materials, even with limited budgets.

Judy’s impact goes far beyond logistics. Under her leadership, SEARL reached 12 nursing homes and assisted living facilities and installed five Little Free Libraries in rural communities. Her passion for libraries was born from personal experience. Growing up 18 miles from the nearest town, the monthly bookmobile visits sparked a lifelong love of learning. Inspired by her former director Martha Lawson, Judy dedicated her career to mentoring others, encouraging curiosity, and investing in growth.

Among her proudest accomplishments? Overseeing the construction of two new libraries and the renovation of six others, commissioning a new regional logo, and launching a user-friendly website connecting all nine branches.

Judy's advice for librarians is as practical as it is heartfelt: visit other libraries for inspiration, be kind, stay curious, attend conferences like ARSL, and—most importantly—keep an extra pair of "get dirty" clothes at work!

A longtime ARSL member, Judy first attended the conference in 2009 and never looked back. She served on the ARSL Board from 2013–2018, including as President in 2017. Her favorite memories include connecting with fellow librarians and meeting authors like Sandra Boynton and Craig Johnson.

To the ARSL community, Judy offers this:

“Dream big, reach high, and believe in yourself. What we do makes a difference—even when no one notices.”

Written by the ARSL Office