LOCAL MEMORIAL SERVICE SET FOR ROBYN HURST

She won acclaim for her creative projects that drew patrons to the Wakulla Public Library

Robyn Hurst


Robyn Hurst, center, when Tallahassee Memorial Hospital donated the Humpty Dumpty figure used for a billboard adverisement that is now displayed in front of the library. Also in the photo, Rebecca Lutz of TMH, librarian Linda Oaks, librarian Rebecca Sahar, and Friends of the Library President Andrew Riddle.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor

Robyn Hurst, who was library director of the Wakulla County Public Library for nearly 10 years and died two weeks ago, will be remembered with a local Celebration of Life to be held on Monday, June 12, at the Wakulla Community Center from 4 to 6 p.m.
Initial reports indicate she took her own life on Sunday, May 21, at her home in Thomasville, Ga., although the matter is still under investigation by law enforcement there.
A funeral was held in Thomasville on Monday, May 29, which would have also been her 45th birthday. Many Wakulla residents were unable to attend the funeral, prompting her friends to organize the local memorial service.
Robyn was beloved by library patrons and staff for her creativity and love of nature. She started numerous popular events – including the Mardi Gras Ball, a fundraiser for the library.
“She could create anything out of cardboard and paper mâché,” said former librarian Heather Bryan, now director at the Chamber of Commerce.
She also brought in the chickens, which prompted “The Library With Chickens” T-shirts.
Library staff and friends put together a list of her accomplishments:
Beloved Wakulla County Public Librarian, Rotarian, Mother, Wife and Friend July 29, 2014 started all of her magic at the library.
She was well equipped to serve our community and serve she did!
Bachelors Degree
Humanities with a focus in art.
Holder of two Master’s Degrees: Business from Thomas University, and Information in Library Science from Valdosta State.
Both of her sons are Eagle Scouts: Josh Hurst - Eagle Scout Project : Little Free Libraries around Wakulla County; and  Avery Hurst - Eagle Scout Project: Pergola at the library.
She was also the author of two children’s books.  
Rooms and/or spaces she transformed at the library and made available for patron use.
The Children’s Room
The Adult Reading Room
The Friends of the Library Reading Room
The Library Escape Room
The gardens out front
Added the Lobby Meeting Room
Some of the Signature Library Programs:
An Evening at Hogwarts
Talk Like a Pirate Day
Take your Child to The Library Day
Dr. Suess’s Birthday
Star Wars
The Trick or Treat Story Walk
Holiday Story Time with Sheriff Miller
Day of The Dead
The Friends of the Library Mardi Gras Fundraiser Ball
Other Library Programs/Amenities:
The Library of Things
The Permanant Installation of Story Boards in Azaela Park
The Mobile Library
- Started Curbside Service during Covid (it is still used today)
- Universal Class access for all library card holders
- Access to 37,000 eBooks through a Plan Grant
- Spearheaded the start-up of the Library Advisory Board
- Revived the Friends of the Library Group
In addition to the chickens, other Library animals  included Lola the bearded dragon, Nikodemus and Tempelton the fancy rats, and the fish tank.