Anglenette Rich Howard Godbolt, a long-time resident of Statesboro, Georgia, has been a member of the Statesboro-Bulloch County Library staff since August, 1994. She began her career as a Circulation Clerk and now serves the community as a dedicated Library Assistant.
Married and mother to her son, Malcolm Xavier Howard, Anglenette has spent over 3 decades building connections through books and heartfelt service.
One of Anglenette’s most meaningful contributions is her leadership as Library Assistant is bringing books directly to elderly patrons and those unable to visit the library in person. Several years ago, she took over the book ‘Outreach Delivery’, providing vital access to reading materials and personal interaction for Seniors within the community.
What began with just two patrons: Willie Martha Coleman and Elizabeth Hodges at Willow Pond Senior Living, has developed into a growing program that brings stories, companionship, and joy to many.
“My goal is to bring happiness to all my patrons by delivering them books,” Anglenette shared. Her visits are more than just deliveries. They are moments of connection.
“I love interacting and meeting with people,” she says. “Being able to bring each one of my patrons joy through reading is a privilege. I try to find their favorite authors or stories that I think will interest them, and always aim to be punctual. With some patrons, we have built a friendly relationship. We sit and talk for 10-15 minutes during my visits.”
In addition to ‘Outreach Delivery’, Anglenette remains a vital presence at the Library’s Circulation Desk and handles Interlibrary loans (ILLs).
The ‘Outreach Delivery’ has grown significantly, serving residents at four senior living facilities: Southern Manor Senior Living, Willow Pond Senior Living, The Gardens Senior Living, and Brown’s Nursing Home, as well as several homebound patrons. The program extends into the community, donating library books to Pineland Mental Health and Pineland Drug Rehabilitation Center, too, ensuring that no reader is left behind!
“This service is special to Seniors and individuals who are not able to go to the library. It says we care about their needs and their love by the library staff,” Anglenette shared.
Anglenette has a well organized book delivery schedule/route: on the 1st Thursday of every month for the facility and on that Friday for residents. Her regular readers, whom she knows by name and literary preference, include Rosemarie Carter, Erlene Jones, Cynthia Nyberg, Marie Robinson, Sherry Hagan, Gordon and Judy Parks, Edith Hutchinson, Willie Martha Coleman, and Elizabeth Hodges.
“I’m planning to retire in the future -- but not just yet!” Anglenette smiled.
In her spare time, she loves to walk, enjoy nature, do some sky gazing and work on puzzles (Sudoku or classic jigsaw). She is an avid reader herself, favoring novels by Toni Morrison and Christian fiction. When it comes to well-deserved treats, she indulges in Spanish peanuts, Lorna Doone cookies, and chocolate ice cream. All simple pleasures for someone who brings joy and kindness to the members of our community!
"I appreciate Anglenette's dedication to delivering books to our patrons in various ways”, Library Director Caroline Johnson said. “Anglenette has been greeting you at our front desk for over 30 years. She took over our book ‘Outreach Deliveries’ in 2021, where she is able to bring books to those who cannot make it into our library.”
Library Outreach patrons have the option to order, reorder, or receive a selection of books based on their reading preferences. A Book Request Form is available upon request and at participating facilities.
Alternatively, patrons or caregivers may call Anglenette Godbolt directly at the Library to request books or ask questions about ‘Outreach Delivery’.
To learn more, call her at 912-764-1342 ext 1001 or send an email to anglenetteh@strl.info.
More information is also available here.