Tonya Hays-Martin, Callaway County Library District Board Member
Tonya Hays-Martin loves libraries. She’s been on the DBRL board of trustees for 10 years, she works as a librarian at Fulton State Hospital and, while traveling, she visits libraries along the way, making sure to capture a selfie in front of each one. Tonya currently lives in Calwood with her husband John. They have two sons and a granddaughter. And she has passed on her passion to her family — one of her sons completed his library sciences degree and is now working as a professional librarian.
How many years have you lived in Mid-Missouri?
I’ve lived in Callaway County my whole life.
What do you like about living here?
I like living in Mid-Missouri because my family and friends are here. Mid-Missouri is a great starting point for adventures far and near, but it’s an even better place to call home.
What three words do you think best describe the library?
Inspiring, inclusive and innovative.
When friends or family find out that you are on the library board, what do they say or ask?
They say that I must really love the library. Occasionally people ask if I get paid for being on the board.
What do you wish other people knew about the library?
I wish everyone knew about all of the library services and materials that can enrich and inform their lives!
How is the library different today than it was ten years ago?
The library is even more accessible today than it was 10 years ago, especially with the development of our digital resources.
If you could have dinner with a famous author or book character who would it be?
I’d have dinner with Pippi Longstocking because it would definitely be an adventure. Pippi’s horse and monkey would be there, too, of course.
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’d like to learn more about genealogy.