For the first time in 30 years, Macon County has a new head librarian as Abigail Hardison takes over for the retiring Karen Wallace.
“It’s very exciting to me because this is a truly gorgeous facility to work in,” Hardison said after the December library board meeting. “The Macon County Library is really a treat to enter every day. It’s been really special for me to walk in and be like ‘I work in this beautiful building with these really nice people.’”
Hardison comes to Macon County from the Rowan County Public Library in Salisbury, where she spent seven years, most recently as adult services supervisor. Before that, Hardison worked at the State Employees Credit Union for 10 years.
Despite coming from the piedmont, Hardison is no stranger to the area. She came to Franklin during the summer to visit cousins and when she and her now-husband started dating, he would tell her about visiting Otto every summer.
“I have spent probably several weeks here over the last 20 years,” Hardison said. “It feels like coming back to your favorite place.”
Originally from Marietta, Georgia, Hardison said one of her reasons for making the move was to spend time with her 85-year-old mother, who lives in northern Georgia.
As librarian, Hardison said she’s looking forward to the Nantahala Library project that was recently given the go-ahead by the Macon County Board of Commissioners. As far as implementing anything new, Hardison said at this point she’s not going to make any major changes.
Outside of work, Hardison is looking forward to exploring the area, including trying Macon County’s Thai restaurants.
“I’m just excited to see Macon County grow and I’m excited to grow with it,” Hardison said. “I’m excited to come into this place and see where we go together. I’m excited to be part of this organization and become a real mountain person. I’ve always been a mountain person at my heart and now I get to become one in reality.”
Wallace’s last day in office was Jan. 13, which ended a month of on-the-job training for Hardison.
“She’s amazing,” Hardison said of Wallace. “She’s so kind, she’ so supportive. She’s made this transition as easy as it can be.”