The McCracken County Public Library Is A Cornerstone Of Community Life
When Justin Brasher arrived in Paducah in the summer of 2021 to lead the McCracken County Public Library (MCLIB) as director, he wasn’t new to libraries—but he was eager to build on what already made this one special.
Justin grew up with a deep appreciation for what libraries bring to a community and was surrounded by a love of books. His mother, a retired library director, and his aunt, who worked at the Library of Congress, helped shape his early respect for the role libraries play in everyday life.
But librarianship wasn’t part of his original plan. Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, and raised in Colorado and Florida, Brasher earned a bachelor’s degree in theater from the University of Florida and headed to California to pursue acting. “It wasn’t for me,” he admits, “but everything I did back then ended up helping me in libraries.” From performing magic on cruise ships to acting on stage, those experiences honed his communication, public-speaking, and outreach skills—skills that now serve him well leading a library that prides itself on connecting with the community.
Justin moved back to Florida and took his mother’s advice to consider libraries for a future career. He earned a master’s degree in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University and later an MBA from West Texas A&M. He worked at several library systems, including seven years with the Pasadena Public Library in the Houston area, where he served as Reference Librarian, Circulation Manager, and Programming and Outreach Manager. Those roles gave him a balanced perspective on both large urban systems and smaller, tight-knit communities like Paducah.
When the opportunity arose to lead MCLIB, Justin was drawn by the area’s vibrant arts scene and close-knit feel. “When I researched Paducah, I loved that it had the Market House Theatre, the Carson Center, and Maiden Alley Cinema—all these creative spaces. It felt like a place that values the arts and community, and that’s where I wanted to be,” he said.
Since taking the helm, Justin has remained true to his early philosophy: build on what works and thoughtfully expand where needed. Under his leadership, MCLIB has introduced free notary services, free faxing, and a transformed multimedia learning area with computers and creative workstations, once a downstairs reading room. The library also underwent a major flooring renovation that refreshed both the first and second levels.
Justin also added the Imagination Library, an affiliate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which is dedicated to providing monthly books to children from the day they are born until their fifth birthday, at no cost to the family and delivered right to their doors.
The library’s programming has also grown in creative ways. A photography event that began as a small experiment has become a seasonal favorite—offering everything from professional headshots for job seekers to holiday portraits taken by library staff at the Merryman House. “We love hearing a patron say, ‘I wish the library would do this,’ and being able to respond, ‘Let’s see how we can make it happen,’” Justin said.
Bobbie Wrinkle, Adult Services Librarian, directs the 31-year-old “Evening Upstairs” creative series at MCLIB, a program she began in 1994, which brings free performances, lectures, and other presentations to the community. Other library programs she developed include the popular “101” series and “Front & Center” events.
Justin is passionate about keeping the library connected to the arts and pop culture. In November, MCLIB hosted the 2nd annual McCrack-Con, its own convention that celebrates comic books, video games, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, movies, and more —a concept Justin first helped create in Texas. The event brought fans, families, and friends together for a day of fun and creativity.
The Bookmobile and Homebound Services at MCLIB, run by coordinator Ashley Doughty, help deliver books and resources to residents who can’t easily visit in person, ensuring everyone has access to library materials.
Justin and his team are exploring even more ways to make the library accessible and responsive to community needs. On the third Tuesday of each month, patrons can connect with community partners on site about services and resources for housing, food, employment, and wellbeing available in the area. The library has even been hosting social work students completing their practicums by assisting the public and are in the process of hiring their first student as their community advocate.
Optional self-checkout stations may be on the horizon for MCLIB, offering patrons more privacy and convenience, alongside long-term goals for a possible building expansion.
For Justin, the best part of his job is watching people discover just how much the library offers. “My favorite moments are when someone tells me, ‘I didn’t know you did that,’” he says with a smile. “Or when a child doesn’t want to leave because they’re having so much fun—that’s when I know we’re doing something right.”
From free physical and digital resources to creative programs, MCLIB continues to show that a library is more than just a building full of books —it’s a cornerstone of community life, where learning, imagination, and connection thrive —the very things that make Paducah feel like home.
McCracken County Public Library
555 Washington Street
Paducah, KY 42003
Library Hours
Sun: 1-5 PM
Mon-Thu: 9 AM. -7 PM
Fri-Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM
Website: www.mclib.net
