Brumit a leader just outside the limelight
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

Melanie Brumit

One place Melanie Brumit is not comfortable is in the limelight. So how is it that such wonderful planning comes from a person who stays behind the scenes? That's the key. She is too busy seeing to the details to be seen.

Brumit is known for her excellent planning and directing skills at the Cameron - J. Jarvis Community Library. She is Bonnie Hinkle's dream come true.

"We have a wonderful library here, but it takes a great deal of time and effort to keep things running smooth," Hinkle said. "And without the volunteers we would have to close the doors."

Brumit started volunteering at the library shortly after moving to Troup. She and husband, Newton, and daughter Skyler moved here in 2002. She was raised in Whitney, where she graduated in 1993 and attended Hill Junior College. She and Newton moved to Maryland, where her father lived. But Texas beckoned them back this way. It was only right that Skyler should be raised in Texas.

The library was a natural draw for Brumit. She lives to read and learn and she has instilled that in her daughter.

"Skyler has been raised in the library," Brumit said. "We spend so much time here, it is like her second home."

Shortly after signing on to volunteer, Brumit took on the job of lining up all the volunteers for the Summer Reading Program as well as planning the events, speakers, snacks and crafts. Being the queen of organization and the princess of planning put her in a natural position to take charge without ever bringing attention to herself and making it all seem so effortless.

Effortless it is not. Many hours of thought and phone calls go into this program. And Brumit, year after year, does a superb job of pulling it together.

This year the program dates are set for June 11 through July 16. Children from preschool through seventh grade gather each Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. at the library for stories, activities, crafts and snacks.

Brumit says all the planning and kids in the world won't work with volunteers to help out. She says they just have to be willing and available. Contact the li- brary if you would like to help out with the Summer Reading Program or any other aspect of the library.

The rest of Brumit's time is filled with her family, especially Skyler. She is homeschooled by her mother. This too is one of the reasons the Brumits found themselves at the library a great deal of the time.

"Libraries are a great resource for home-schoolers," Brumit said. "We have lots of parents coming in looking for books and references to use in their work with their children."

Both Skyler and her mother have lessons even when the school day is complete. Skyler takes ballet three times a week and will appear in the upcoming production of "Peter Pan."

Brumit is taking piano lessons. It's just something she always thought she'd like to do.

"I really enjoy my work in the library," Brumit said. "I like to help out where I can and I love watching it grow."

A little TLC, a genuine love for others and a willing heart has produced a great bounty in Melanie Brumit and for the community of Troup.