JC Morgan’s move is great for the state—and more takes from Judy Clabes
JC Morgan, the genius behind Campbell County Public Library’s creative marketing campaigns, is “retiring” from his director position to become Kentucky’s first director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library effective late November. This is a loss for Campbell County, but a terrific gain for the state of Kentucky. The good news for the region is that Morgan doesn’t have to move for his new job. He will continue to live in Campbell County with his wife, Alison, and their twin daughters.
Morgan became director of the Campbell County Library system in 2003 and oversaw the growth of the system through technology, physical presence, expanded hours, and access and innovative programs that serve the community. Those programs include the clever Drop Your Drawers campaign currently underway (donate underwear and socks for underprivileged kids) and the Book Bus, which visits homebound residents and early childcare centers.
He is all about access—and the value of reading. The library has grown its e-book circulation from an annual 461 to over 260,000. The Drop Your Drawers campaign has already distributed 65,000 items.
“I wanted to work in a place that made a difference in the community,” Morgan says.
In 2019, he oversaw the launch of the Campbell County Imagination Library through a partnership with local schools. The program mails a free book to enrolled children—newborn to 5 years old—every month at no cost or obligation to families. To date, the program reaches 56% of those children in Campbell County and has graduated 2,700 kids.
If you want a role model for making a difference, JC Morgan is a good place to start. He leaves behind an amazing legacy for the Campbell County Libraries.
As first state director of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, you haven’t heard the last of him. Hold on for the ride.
Short Takes
Taylor Mill dedicated a monument in its Pride Park to honor firefighters and EMS. Designed by Victoria Warde and organized by Rita Hasler, long-time volunteer on the Life Squad, a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and secretary of the Volunteer Firefighters Association, the project was definitely a community-driven effort. It’s a project the whole region can be proud of.
Former NKU president Leon Boothe is being honored by the Covington Rotary Club for his continuing community service. Boothe is a 50-year Rotarian. He came to NKY in 1983 when he was named the third president of Northern Kentucky University, a position he held for 13 years.
New Perceptions, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, had joined with professional volleyball superstar and local hero, Morgan Hentz, to expand its mission through volleyball clinics, fundraising and marketing. Hentz is looking forward to building a stronger, more inclusive environment for individuals to thrive.
Villa Madonna has announced plans to dedicate its new STEM Wing in honor of Chase and Cole Fischer, the two teenagers who were killed tragically in a boating accident on Lake Cumberland in July. A Fischer family gift made the project possible.
In an enjoyable gathering celebrating Covington’s aim to offer a public art surprise around every corner, dignitaries welcomed “Clive,” a galactic visitor, to downtown. The fiberglass and Styrofoam sculpture will observe earthlings from his lofty perch on the Scott Street side of the Midtown Parking Garage. He joins public art and other creative elements in downtown—benches, murals on walls of buildings, bike racks and more. “Clive” was created by Covington’s own AlloyFX.
Judy Clabes is former editor of The Kentucky Post and now editor/publisher of the NKyTribune.com. She is a member of the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame and of the University of Kentucky Hall of Distinguished Alumni. She and her late husband, Gene, are the parents of two sons and grandparents of five.
