By Steven Stiefel
Associate Editor

Published Feb. 17, 2004

Doris Singleton is retiring after more than a quarter-century of service to the Boaz Public Library.

Singleton started with the library in September 1977, when the library was in an old storefront building located in the downtown mall. The library moved to the current facility on South Main Street in May 1979, and the basement was remodeled in 1988.

When she started, there was one full-time and two part-time employees. In 1977, the library was open 36 hours a week. Now it is open 48 hours a week for patrons.

"Doris has been instrumental in making the library what it is today," said Lynn Burgess, an employee of the library. "The library offers many services to the citizens of Boaz, and has outgrown its current facilities."

Under Singleton's leadership, the library has grown from 5,000 books to more than 60,000, added VHS and books on tape, as well as computers and Internet service. The library was completely automated so that everything is on computer. Storytime and Summer Reading Programs have expanded, and now have more children turn out than ever before, Burgess said.

Singleton is a lifelong Boaz resident, the daughter of Haley and Eula Brown. She attended Boaz High School and Snead State Junior College. She married the late Glenn Singleton in February 1959. They had two children, Kim Singleton of Boaz and Robin Ponder of Albertville. Singleton has two grandchildren, Brittany and Colt Ponder of Albertville.

Her hobbies include growing flowers, collecting and repairing costume jewelry, traveling, camping, antique shopping, and spending time with her family.