Taylor Cudd, Callaway County Library District Board Member
Taylor Cudd moved to Mid-Missouri in January 2016 when she accepted her first recreational therapy job in the area. It means that she’s eight hours away from her hometown in Elgin, Oklahoma, but she’s ready to get involved with her newly adopted community.
What is your profession?
I have a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and a master’s in leisure studies from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which qualifies me to be a certified therapeutic recreational specialist. After moving to Missouri, I worked at Fulton State Hospital, and I am currently working at the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Columbia.
I would love to link the veterans I work with to the library to assist them in getting more active in the community and learning about all the opportunities at the library.
What do you like about living in Mid-Missouri?
I’m discovering a growing number of leisure opportunities, gaining new friends and family, enjoying the community I live in and appreciating how beautiful it is here.
When friends or family find out that you are on the library board, what do they say or ask?
“What do you do?” “Is it fun?” My stepson often asks if he can come to the meetings.
What has surprised you most about serving on the board?
I really enjoy learning about all the library does behind the scenes and having the chance to help make decisions for the community I am a part of. I had no knowledge of what went into library services for each community until I joined the board.
What three words do you think best describe the library?
Socialization, networking and family-friendly.
What do you wish other people knew about the library?
How helpful and user-friendly it is for all who want to come in the doors. It is a very inviting place to come learn and access books, movies, magazines, computer resources and information about the history of Missouri. Also, the children’s area is a great place for families to play and learn together.
In the spirit of the library’s mission to promote lifelong learning, is there anything that you would personally like to learn more about?
I have always wanted to learn more about kayaking and outdoor adventures. I have a passion for recreation and gaining knowledge of leisure resources.
What else would you like to share?
I am very excited about my chance to serve on the library board and would be pleased to serve many years. I enjoy being an active participant in the community and the opportunities being on the board gives me. My family and I enjoy all the library services that are offered. Living in Holts Summit and working in Columbia, I am able to use library services at three different locations. I plan to take my stepson to the library through the summer months as a break from the heat and a different learning opportunity.