Today we’d like to introduce you to John D. Hayden.
Hi John D., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from Ulysses, a small town in Southwest Kansas where I graduated from High School in 1998. My love for books started in Ulysses, and it’s been growing ever since. After graduating from High School, I attended York College in Nebraska, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Bible. When I first started at York, it was just a two-year college — and now it’s grown into a four-year university! I was proud to be part of the second class to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. After graduation, I decided to stay at York and began working as the janitor for the Men’s Dorm and Basketball Arena. A few years later, I found my way to the Levitt Library, where I became the Technical Librarian. There, I got to manage the Interlibrary Loan system, help students with research and computers, and work alongside our amazing work-study students. York will always hold a special place in my heart — it’s also where I got married.
During that time, I had the privilege of learning from one of the best library directors I’ve ever known, Todd Mountjoy. He modeled what true servant leadership looks like and taught me lessons that continue to shape how I lead today.
After nearly five years at York, I began my ministry career. My first position was as a campus minister in Wilburton, Oklahoma, where I worked closely with local youth—speaking at church camps, youth rallies, and community events and college students. Those were some of the most rewarding years of my life, filled with wonderful memories and friendships that have lasted a lifetime. My first child was born in McAlester, just down the road from Wilburton, making that time in my life even more special.
Over the next 15 years, I served as a youth minister in Oklahoma and Georgia, a campus minister in Oklahoma and Texas, and a minister in Kansas. Each place gave me the opportunity to grow, serve, and build meaningful connections with the people I worked alongside.
My last ministry position was in Commerce, Texas, as the Campus Minister for the Lions of Christ. After a few years there, I found my way back to the library world. I became the Adult Reference Associate at the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library. After a year, I was promoted to Youth Services Librarian, where I served for three years before becoming the Library Director in Bonham, Texas, for nearly six years. Today, I’m honored to be the Library Director where my public library career first began—the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library. I’ll celebrate four years here this coming February.
People often ask why I chose librarianship as my career. The answer is simple: my grandmother. She was both a public and church librarian. She helped me get my first library card, read poetry to me, and inspired my love for reading. She showed me how powerful literacy can be, and because of her, I am where I am today.
My grandparents always told me to make a difference in others’ lives. That’s what I strive to do every day—whether through libraries, or community service, or just walking down the street.
I’m also known as the Library Model — you never know where I’ll pop up next, striking a pose to bring a little joy (and usually a few laughs) to everyone’s day! And if you ever stop by my office, there’s no mistaking where my loyalty lies… I’m a die-hard University of Kansas Jayhawks fan through and through!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Life has a way of humbling you and teaching lessons you didn’t know you needed. After earning my degree, I started out as the janitor at York University. At the time, that wasn’t exactly where I thought I’d end up after college, but it taught me something important—there’s honor in every kind of work, and how you serve matters more than the title you hold.
When I transitioned from ministry back into the library world, that was another tough season. Ministry had been my identity for so long, and stepping into a new field meant starting over in many ways. I had to relearn skills, adjust my mindset, and prove myself all over again. It was humbling but also deeply rewarding because I discovered that my calling wasn’t limited to one place or profession—it was about serving people wherever I was planted.
There have been moments of doubt, burnout, and hard choices—times when I wondered if I was making a difference or just spinning my wheels. But each challenge shaped me. Every setback taught me patience, compassion, and perseverance. Ministry can be tough on families and marriages. There’s often an unspoken pressure to appear perfect, even when life feels anything but. I’ve been blessed with four wonderful kids who have weathered the storms of ministry and life with strength and grace. Though I’m now divorced, I’m grateful to have someone new in my life who is loving, supportive, and brings joy back into my days. It’s been a journey of growth, faith, and finding peace in new beginnings — and as a fun bonus, she’s also a University of Kansas graduate!
Looking back, I can honestly say the rough roads made me who I am today. They taught me to stay grounded, to keep learning, and to always lead with a servant’s heart.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently serve as the Library Director at the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library in Greenville, Texas. In this role, I oversee library operations, programs, and community outreach. But what I truly see it as is an opportunity to build relationships and create a space where people feel welcome, supported, and inspired to learn. I’m fortunate to work alongside a supportive Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and leadership team who share a commitment to our community and the library’s mission.
I’ve always believed libraries are more than buildings filled with books—they’re community hubs that change lives. I specialize in creating programs that connect people of all ages to learning and one another, whether that’s through literacy events, youth activities, or partnerships with local organizations. I also take pride in empowering my staff by providing the tools they need and teaching them the skills to succeed, helping them grow both professionally and personally.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a project or an award—it’s the culture we’ve built. Our library team works hard to make everyone who walks through the doors feel like they belong. We’ve built trust with our community, and that’s something I never take for granted.
What probably sets me apart is the path I took to get here. I didn’t come into librarianship the traditional way. My background in ministry taught me how to listen, how to serve, and how to meet people where they are. Those lessons carry over into everything I do as a leader. I try to model servant leadership every day—to lead with empathy, humility, and a genuine desire to see others succeed.
At the end of the day, I’m proud to be part of something that truly makes a difference. Whether it’s helping a child fall in love with reading, guiding someone to a new career resource, or simply offering a smile and a listening ear—those moments remind me why I do what I do.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The library world is evolving quickly, and I believe the next 5–10 years will bring even more focus on connection, technology, and community impact. At the W. Walworth Harrison Public Library, we’re already moving in that direction.
Our goal is to make the library a true community hub—a place where learning, creativity, and belonging come together. We’ve been expanding digital resources, offering more hands-on technology programs, and creating spaces that encourage people to gather, collaborate, and grow. Whether it’s through workforce development, early literacy, or lifelong learning, we want to meet people where they are and give them tools to succeed.
I also see libraries stepping up as essential partners in community well-being. We’re not just about information; we’re about connection—helping reduce isolation, supporting families, and providing a safe, welcoming space for everyone. That’s something we focus on every day here in Greenville. In the next 5‑10 years the library world will shift further from “quiet book warehouse” to “dynamic, hybrid community learning hub.” Technology (AI, digital resources, device lending), space re‑design, equity & inclusion, redefined staff roles, and strong community partnerships will drive that change.
In Greenville, this means we are not just managing operations — we are leading transformation: building relationships, inspiring learning, and making the library central to our city’s life in new ways.
While technology will continue to shape how we deliver services, the heart of librarianship will stay the same: people serving people. I’m proud that our library is embracing change while holding onto that core mission. We’re preparing not just for the future of libraries, but for the future of our community.
Pricing:
- Library Programs are Free
- Library Events are Free
- Library Cards are Free for those who live in Greenville
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ci.greenville.tx.us/1481/Library
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.d.hayden.9/
Image Credits
Kristin Fisk
Terry Moser
Manuel Ramirez
