Character council honors librarian for decisiveness

By Travina Coleman
Phoenix Staff Writer

August 09, 2008 10:46 pm

—
Her face brightens with a megawatt smile and her words, softly spoken, are gentle and firm.
“I have one of the most fun jobs,” said Betty Himes, adult services librarian at Muskogee Public Library.
Himes of Muskogee has been selected as July’s Character Council winner as one who best exemplifies “decisiveness.”
Jan Bryant, head librarian, nominated Himes for July’s Character Council trait.
“I love what I do, and I think Muskogee’s library is the best,” Himes said. “This library goes above what is expected to serve the community.”
Mayor John Tyler Hammons will honor Himes at a Muskogee City Council meeting 7 p.m. Sept. 8.
Bryant said Himes always gets both sides, views and interpretation of any particular situation before a decision is made.
“She utilizes her supervisors and regards their opinion with respect,” Bryant said. “Thereby she retains the supervisors’ trust and confidence in her ability to perform managerial functions at the library.”
But Himes is a little more humble when she describes her role at the library.
“I don’t think I am decisive,” she said. “I do have to make a lot of decisions in respect to my job, but I don’t think that makes me decisive.”
Bryant disagrees.
“She makes the right choices based upon the facts,” she said. “She uses her moral foundation to assist in making decisions.”
As adult services librarian, Himes is responsible for buying new books for the adult section whether it’s General Equivalency Diploma books, or steamy romance novels.
“I used to live in Okmulgee,” Himes said. “There I found they like to read a lot of Danielle Steele and John Grisham. Here in Muskogee, the community seems to prefer mystery writers instead.”
Himes is married to David, and she has three grown children: Brian of Tulsa; Amy of McKinney, Texas; and Susan of Pennsylvania.
She said she was very surprised by winning the Character Council trait for July.
“I just didn’t think I was a very decisive person.”


Upcoming
Character Council seeks those who exhibit ‘joyfulness
Character Council of Muskogee wants you to nominate a citizen of character.
August character word: “Joyfulness” — maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions.
E-mail nominations to features@muskogeephoenix.com, fax to 684-2865 or mail to Features, P.O. Box 1968, Muskogee 74402. Include an explanation of how the nominee exhibits decisiveness in daily life. Include your name and phone number, along with the name and phone number of the nominee.

July character trait
“Decisiveness” — the ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions.
Five keys:
• Gather accurate information.
• Keep a clear perspective.
• Make the right choice.
• Follow through.
• Weather criticism.

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