Melissa Chapman Appointed Director of Blue Ridge Regional Library

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The Blue Ridge Regional Library (BRRL) Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Melissa Chapman as the new director of the library system.

Chapman, who has been serving as the interim director since the retirement of Rick Ward, will officially take on the role beginning December 1.

Chapman brings over a decade of experience to the position, having worked as BRRL's cataloging librarian since 2012. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to the library's mission and a thorough understanding of its operations.

As director, Chapman will now oversee the management and strategic direction of the library system, which serves the Martinsville and Henry County areas, as well as surrounding communities.

Rebecca Adcock, Chairperson of the BRRL Board, expressed confidence in Chapman’s leadership abilities. "Over the course of the last several months, our Board conducted an extensive search and series of interviews to find a director who would lead the Blue Ridge Regional Library with collaborative innovation and foresight," Adcock said. "We are confident that Melissa will work to ensure continued growth and progress for the library system as the staff serves the community in new and exciting ways."

Chapman holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from James Madison University. She succeeds Rick Ward, who retired earlier this year after serving the library system for several years.

In her new role, Chapman emphasized her commitment to keeping the library a vital community resource. "I am honored to serve the community alongside the team at the Blue Ridge Regional Library system," she said. "My goal is to ensure it continues as a vital resource for information, learning, and connection for all those we serve."

Chapman’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Blue Ridge Regional Library as it looks to build on its tradition of providing high-quality services and programming to the region. Under her leadership, the library system is poised to continue evolving to meet the needs of a changing community