My name is Carlos R. Diaz and I’m the branch supervisor of the Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Library of St. John the Baptist Parish Library System in Edgard.

Recently, the public was made aware of disturbing comments made by certain disgruntled employees against the library system’s administrative leadership, especially its director, Trina Smith, and assistant director Dana Douglas.

Ms. Smith has been the library’s director for two calendar years, and Mrs. Douglas has been its assistant director since January 2018. They are both very capable, astute professionals who treat people with dignity and respect.

It’s a refreshing breath of air to see two leaders who truly care about their people, such as Ms. Smith and Mrs. Douglas.

Ms. Smith has a cheerful disposition and a warm personality. She has worked assiduously to bring stability to the library director position, a post that’s seen a revolving door prior to her arrival.

Mrs. Douglas is a human resources superstar, ensuring that staff members’ personnel information is in order. She also rolls up her sleeves often for the plethora of library programs throughout the branches.

She’s a hard worker and she cares deeply about the success of the library system. Both of these ladies are excellent public servants.

Finally, to address those few staff members whose commentary was both untrue and ridiculous: you are wrong!  The library is an important institution in our society and a pillar of the community. A library is a temple of learning and the bedrock of any functioning democracy. That is all.

— Respectfully,

Carlos R. Diaz, Edgard