Pulaski County GaArchives History .....Mollie Roden, Hawkinsville 1935
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 July 29, 2004, 6:57 pm

AN INTERESTING SKETCH OF MRS. MOLLIE BOZEMAN JELKS RODEN

LIBRARIAN OF HAWKINSVILLE LIBRARY

   It was on a hot summer afternoon that I mounted the steps of the City
Auditorium to reach the Library, where I knew I would find the librarian, Mrs.
M. E. Roden. Not for nearly twenty years has she failed to be there with her
beloved books to welcome the members who come, not only for something to read,
but to see Mrs. Roden's bright smile, and to hear her cheery greeting.

   As I searched among the crowded shelves my mind went back to the time long
ago when the Library was started. A group of public-spirited women organized a
literary club, calling it the "Uplift Club." The first work chosen by these
women was to give Hawkinsville a public library. Committees were appointed and
work began in earnest. The use of a room in the City Auditorium was procured,
furniture was donated, and a book party was given, each guest bringing a book.
The club members gave their services as librarians, and for a few short years
the Library grew and flourished.

   Later the club was merged into a "Woman's Club" and the Uplift

p. 140

Club transferred all its books and furnishings to the Woman's Club. The Library
department took on new life, and Mrs. M. E. Roden was employed as librarian,
with a small salary. The club flourished for several years with the Library as
the center of interest.

   In 1917, when the call came for our boys to offer their services (and lives
as many did) for democracy in its broadest and highest sense, our women also
felt the urge of giving their services, and turned aside from all other
activities and gave their time and energies to Red Cross work, the club
disbanded and the Library, our greatest achievement, seemed doomed.

   Mrs. Roden, with her love for and interest in the Library, offered her
services as librarian without compensation, to, if possible, save the Library.
Since then the responsibilities of the Library have rested on her shoulders. How
cheerfully and willingly the work has been done is known by those who visit the
Library.

   Every cent of the dues paid by the members is put into books, and often, when
the funds are low, Mrs. Roden will draw from her own limited means, for she will
say in her sweet, gentle way, "Unless I have new books the members will lose
interest."

   Hawkinsville is proud to have a citizen who loves books so well that she is
willing to give her time that others may enjoy them; a citizen so
public-spirited that she works not for money or fame, but that she may give
happiness to the people around her.

   As I gave Mrs. Roden my book number and saw how happy she was in her work, I
thought that unselfish service to our fellowman is the greatest thing in the
world. In the mad rush of the present day we find ourselves too busy to remember
many things that are worth while. Mrs. Roden, when a small girl, was reared on a
big plantation in a home of culture and refinement, learned to appreciate and
value good books. That feeling has grown as time slipped by.

   The years come and go, but the influence of good books remains to enrich the
lives of others. Mrs. Roden, though eighty-four years old, is, without aid,
carrying on the work of the Library, and seldom fails to greet you on Tuesday
and Friday afternoons, the regular time the Library is open. A most worthy and
commendable example of unselfish service.



Additional Comments:
Extracted from 
"HISTORY OF PULASKI COUNTY GEORGIA"

OFFICIAL HISTORY

COMPILED BY THE HAWKINSVILLE CHAPTER
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
PRESS OF WALTER W. BROWN PUBLISHING COMPANY
ATLANTA, GEORGIA

(1935)

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