Shelley Tougas, Hudson Area Public Library

From an early age, Shelley Tougas was drawn to books and libraries — so much so that people used to suggest that she be a librarian when she grew up. Shelley took her love of the written word and turned it first into a career as a reporter, then as a children's author. And a few years ago, Shelley did eventually land a job at a library when she became the director of the Hudson Area Public Library.Shelley has helped the library navigate through some challenging times in recent years, from the pandemic, to a storm that damaged part of the building, to the ever-present financial challenges a library faces. But through it all, she has helped guide the library to a bright future. She joined this week's St. Croix Stories to talk about her love of libraries, the backstory on her award-winning children's book, what a public library means to a community like Hudson, and more. Send a message to the hostFollow St. Croix Stories on Facebook and Instagram, and hear all episodes at stcroixstories.com.