INDIANAPOLIS –
The Great Library of Alexandria, Egypt, allowed the city to become known as the capital of knowledge and learning in the ancient world.
While not nearly to that scale, the U.S. Army Financial Management Command launched its new Leadership Library with the same goal of cultivating knowledge and learning at the Maj. Gen. Emmett J. Bean Federal Center in Indianapolis recently.
“The purpose of the Leadership Library is to encourage employees to invest in their own future successes by providing access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise,” said Kim Hood, USAFMCOM deputy chief of staff, who created the library. “The library is open to all employees, and books can be checked out for a period of three weeks.”
The library is located just outside the Mark Sullivan Memorial Auditorium and just inside the Army Financial Services area in USAFMCOM.
Books may be checked out for up to 21 days using Microsoft Office Teams. To access the Leadership Library team, go to Teams, click on the plus sign in the top center left, click join team and enter code cjreg88.
“This small idea is one that can produce tremendous results for years to come,” said Christopher L. Reynolds, USAFMCOM interim deputy to the commanding general. “This is great example of the transformation, modernization and innovation we are looking for in our command.”
“This resource has the potential to grow new leaders within our organization,” Hood elaborated. “I am eager to share this resource with the team and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our collective growth and development.”
While the deputy chief of staff doesn’t recall her exact inspiration for creating the library, she credits her love of reading, learning and mentoring as what drove her to the idea.
“I want folks to be successful, and as a continuous learner, I like to read,” Hood recalled. “So, in my mind, if they choose to read too, it might help them.”
So far, most of the nearly 50 titles were provided by Hood, who’s been curating a collection of leadership and professional development books for about five years.
“I am thrilled to share this library with the entire team,” she said, and encouraged others to join her in building this resource for the command’s employees.
“I invite [leaders of any level] to contribute to the library by donating or recommending books that have inspired you or helped shape your leadership style,” she continued. “Your recommendations will not only enrich the library but also provide valuable insights to your colleagues.”
For more information on the library, contact Hood at kimberly.s.hood.civ@army.mil.