by Ashley Reynolds
Court Stevens is an inspiring individual who considers herself an accidental librarian and an intentional leader. The Director of the Warren County Public Library (WCPL), a lifelong student pursuing her third master’s in library science, and an accomplished author of nine novels, Stevens feels like she is “in a crazy, wonderful dream.” Stevens says, “I’ve gotten to hug and encourage a ton of people through books and that makes me incredibly happy.”
Stevens grew up in the small town of Bandana, near where the Ohio River meets the Mississippi. Her life has been a combination of experience, education and an unwavering commitment to community. With degrees in Human Services, Counseling, Christian Ministries and Theology, each step has been a foundational piece leading to her current roles.
The journey to Bowling Green was not a straight path; after obtaining a softball scholarship at Lindsey Wilson College, Stevens launched into her professional life as a youth minister. While working at State Street United Methodist Church, she fell in love with writing novels and her first contracts and publications with HarperCollins moved her to Nashville. She returned to Bowling Green to work for the Warren County Public Library and was named Executive Director in 2022. Family holds a special place in their heart. Partnered with Ginger Knight for six years, they’ve embraced the joys of a blended family, raising two talented children, Emma Kate and Christopher. They share life at their home which includes Fable Stables. The hobby farm is home to 11 goats, three sheep, five dogs, four cats, 25 chickens and a duck.
When not writing, chasing animals, public speaking or leading our Warren County Public Library, you can find Stevens playing Skillet Curling at the SOKY ice rink, watching Indiana Fever Basketball and US Women’s Soccer or having campfires. She credits these experiences with being the fuel that empowers and energizes her for her professional and personal pursuits. “I do life with the best people,” Stevens shares. “We show up for each other across the spectrum of joyful and painful moments that life tosses our way.”
As Stevens continues to grow, she’s looking forward to keeping her roots planted in Bowling Green. She hopes to serve, love and lead as the WCPL Director as long as she’s making a positive impact for the organization. While she wouldn’t mind making the New York Times bestseller list, she plans to stay in the creative field she has loved all her life. Stevens says writing is about more than crafting stories. It’s also about getting “eyeball to eyeball” with people you’d never meet otherwise and loving on them.
“Sometimes you just need to hear how much you matter,” Stevens says. “I like to be the voice of that reminder.” To learn more about Court Stevens, follow her on Facebook and Instagram. Her ninth novel will be released next summer.