By Staff
Bogun began working there in 1985
By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER, Staff Writer
BELHAVEN — Joan Bogun has seen a lot of changes at the Belhaven Public Library since she started working there more than 20 years ago.
Bogun came to the library in 1985 on a part-time basis, which worked out well because she was also working part-time as a church secretary in Belhaven.
Formerly the Fannie Mebane Ralph Memorial Library, the Belhaven Public Library grew as Bogun’s duties evolved. She became a full-time employee within a year, but the building itself endured some hard times.
Nowadays, Bogun’s duties are mostly administrative. As branch librarian, she has assistance from one full-time employee, a part-time employee and loyal volunteers.
Those programs include a twice monthly story time for children of prekindergarten age. Those programs are usually held the first Thursday and the first Friday of each month from October through May.
The library also hosts an annual Easter Egg Hunt, and in the spring, Bogun often visits area public and private schools to tell students about Belhaven’s summer reading program.
Bogun came to Belhaven when she married Bret Bogun, a native of the town. The couple are the parents of Stacey, Tanya, Bonnie, Mandi, Josh and Amanda and the grandparents of Levi, Gracie and Christian.
Bogun’s Beaufort County roots run deep.
Her father later returned to farming and the family lived near the Pitt County line as well as Washington. She attended high school in both Washington and Chocowinity and later enrolled at Beaufort Tech, now Beaufort County Community College.