By Marilyn Miller
Library Resource Administrator Shelley Masog will step into the role of head Librarian for the Minden Branch of Webster Parish Libraries on July 26, 2026 when current Librarian Savannah Jones moves on to accept a position with her local family-owned business.
She’ll have some big shoes to fill, since nearly 10,000 people found their way into the stately Minden Library in 2025 to take part in many offerings. “We offer many unique services beyond traditional book checkout,” Shelley said. “We provide Outreach and Homebound Delivery, VHS to DVD conversion, meeting rooms, Roku and hotspot checkout, online eBook and audiobook access, a summer Discovery Camp program, children’s and adult programming, and our annual Trunk or Treat.”
Shelley hasn’t always been a part of the Louisiana public library system. She became a middle school teacher after earning her undergraduate degree in English from LSU-Shreveport. She then pursued her masters in Library and Information Science at LSU in Baton Rouge, beginning her library career in 2009 with the New Orleans Public Library. In 2012, she “had the honor of serving as the branch manager of the Norman Mayer Library for the re-opening of the new building constructed after Hurricane Katrina.”
In 2015, Shelley moved to the Shreve Memorial Library, and in 2017 she moved to Webster Parish Libraries. She has served as Library Resource Administrator at Minden since 2019. “I enjoy engaging with patrons and helping them learn something new or finding something they need. Even in background roles, such as Technical Services, the work is rewarding and supports other staff while serving our library community.”
The new librarian expects Webster Parish Libraries to continue thriving with current offerings and services, many instituted under Savannah. But she does have a “couple of new ideas. But it’s too early to announce them. My goal is to continue building on the strong foundation already in place, while looking for new ways to meet the changing needs of our community.”
“I am especially interested in continuing to strengthen access, outreach, programming, technology services and partnerships throughout Webster Parish. Libraries have always been vital to thriving communities. For many people, the library is one of the few places where they can access information, support, and services at no cost. Libraries help strengthen communities by making resources available to everyone.”
In addition to checking out books, libraries provide access to technology, digital resources, research assistance, educational programming, meeting spaces, job search resources, and community connections.
“I do have plans for WPL, but I also believe in taking time to listen, evaluate and work with staff before making major changes. My focus will be on continuing the services our patrons value, supporting our staff, strengthening community partnerships, and identifying opportunities for growth. I want WPL to continue being a welcoming, useful, and forward-thinking library system for all of Webster Parish.”
In 2023, the Webster Parish Library was named the “Community Partner of the Year” by the Greater Minden Chamber. And in 2024, the Mack Memorial Library was named the “Ambassador of the Year” by the Springhill-North Webster Chamber of Commerce.
“I am so proud and honored to be a part of Webster Parish Libraries,” Shelley, who was the 2025 Louisiana Library Association’s Public Librarian of the Year, said. “I have been here nine years now, and I am proud of the services we offer and the staff who make everything possible. We have an amazing team who genuinely cares about the communities we serve.”