Seth Christensen, Columbia and Boone County Library District Board Member
Tell us about yourself.
I moved around a bit growing up, but my parents ultimately settled in Portales, New Mexico, a small town only half an hour from the Texas border. After graduating from high school, I served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in northern Chile for two years. After returning to the states, I soon met my wife- to-be. We both earned our bachelor’s degrees from Brigham Young University in Idaho, then we moved to Columbia so I could attend law school at the University of Missouri. Since graduating, I have served as the managing attorney at American Outdoor Brands, Inc. My wife runs her own photography business, and we have three children ages seven, six and two.
What were your favorite books from your childhood?
The Harry Potter series was so much fun. It truly was an EVENT as each new book came out until the very last one. I was a bit sad when it did, because I knew even then that midnight release parties for books were simply not a normal thing.
What book would you recommend others read and why?
A book I read recently that I found to be very insightful is “The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure” by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt. The authors explore the power of free speech, and some of the unintended consequences that come from siloing ourselves from any speech we find to be offensive. I truly believe that the free exchange of ideas, even ideas that may be offensive to some, is the best way for communities to meet the needs of all of their members. When individuals self-censor and/or censor the speech of others, it becomes much more difficult to determine absolute truth. I think everyone could benefit from learning how to disagree without being disagreeable and without demonizing those that hold opposing views.
Why are libraries important to our community?
Libraries are a rare public space where people can just exist without there being an expectation for them to spend money. That alone is something worth saving. Furthermore, libraries give everyone the opportunity to learn for free, or enjoy a book at no cost. Knowledge should not be limited to the wealthy, nor should the joys of immersing oneself in a good book.
What makes DBRL different from other libraries you’re acquainted with?
I grew up in a small town, so the sheer size of the library and the quantity of books never ceases to amaze me.
Why were you interested in serving on the library board of trustees?
My mother is a librarian, and I grew up visiting our local library on a regular basis. I think libraries are so important to maintaining strong communities. I want our own library to be the best it can be for my own children, and serving on the board is one way I can help achieve that.
Each library board member serves on his or her own district board as well as on the Daniel Boone Regional Library board, which is the governing body responsible for policy-making and fiscal oversight.