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September marks Darlene Brock’s 40th anniversary serving the community at the Chilton-Clanton Public Library.

The current Chilton-Clanton Public Library staff of Jennifer Jones, left, Darlene Brock, Traci Bates, Jennifer Cleckler, Keeli Payton and Renee Chambers.

Darlene Brock, left, with former library director Joe Abernathy, circa 1995.

A large part of Darlene Brock’s love for the library has been the ability to travel by reading a good book, and her love for people.

A collaborative effort from the library staff recently created a new study and tutor space for visitors.

Story and Photos by Elisabeth Altamirano- Smith

If you have visited the Chilton-Clanton Public Library in the last 40 years, chances are you have met Darlene Brock. Always a friendly smile and eager to help visitors, Brock began working for the library in September 1984 as the children’s librarian. Over the years, she has also served as the bookkeeper, Interim Director and currently serves as the Director. This fall will mark Brock’s 40th anniversary serving the community.

Brock grew up in Hueytown, and in 1962, her father was appointed West End Baptist Church’s pastor, prompting her family to move to Clanton. After graduating Chilton County High School (the first class to graduate in the current building), Brock worked for the Probate Office for Judge White, Judge Smith and Judge Hayes until 1968 when she became a stay-at-home mother.

In 1984, she applied to be the children’s librarian, which resulted in the library becoming a large part of her life.

“Working here has been a God send,” said Brock. “When I started as the children’s librarian, Adair Middle School was across the street, and there were also two daycare centers within walking distance, so the library was always full of children. Over the years, I have also witnessed countless people come in to use the library to further their education, become doctors, teachers and many other professional people.”

One of the changes Brock has witnessed in her time at the library was the consolidation of Cahaba Regional Library and Chilton-Clanton Library. Cahaba Regional served a larger area, and included the use of a book mobile that traveled to serve Autauga, Bibb and surrounding Chilton communities. Former Library Director, Joe Abernathy, organized and ran the book mobile and worked with Brock from 1984-2010.

“When I served as Director, Darlene was the bookkeeper and I depended on her so much,” said Abernathy. “I could always go to her and ask how much money we had to spend on books and many times she could tell me on the spot. I could not have done it without her. She is a very congenial and outgoing person. When you look forward to going to work because of the staff, you can’t ask for anything better.”

A large part of Brock’s love for the library has been the ability to travel by reading a good book, and her love for people.

“When I began working at the library, I would see the other librarians hold back a new book for someone because they knew that the person would be interested in it,” said Brock. “I asked myself, ‘Will I ever learn which books people like,’ but now it is so natural. I am so grateful that I started the way I did, before computers, and learning how to use card catalogs. The biggest part of this position has been my love for the people. I have a joy I want to share. I see people suffering in the world and I want the library to be a light that brings people in. Everyone can be somebody. Be kind and encourage others. Just a smile can change a life. God put me here to be the person I am today.”

As for the future, Brock has plans for the library to continue to thrive and inspire visitors. The most recent collaborative effort is the study/tutor room, which is a space where individuals and groups can meet and study. Brock does not have plans to retire anytime soon.

“We have a lot of good things going,” said Brock. “Children visiting the library is always our goal. Homeschooling has become more regular in recent years, and we are here to serve (those needs).”

In addition to her dedication to the Chilton-Clanton Public Library, Brock is a member of West End Baptist Church Choir, and she also teaches preschool. She is the mother to Eric and Stephen, has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

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