Why I Love Franklin County: A little chat with Joshlyn Bowen

Joshlyn Bowen is a product of Phil Campbell High School and studied business at Northwest-Shoals Community College. She continued her education and has led nationwide sales teams and marketing campaigns. As of May 16 she will be the director of Russellville Public Library. Her husband, Cody Bowen, is the assistant materials manager at TRU Homes by Clayton in Hackleburg and is a songwriter and recording artist. Her four children are Triston, Bailey, Jaiden and Alivia, and she also has one granddaughter, Gracelyn.

1. How long have you lived in Franklin County?

I was born and raised in Phil Campbell and have lived in the Franklin County area for most of my life. I currently reside in Spruce Pine with my husband and two youngest daughters.

2. What is your job title, and what does your work involve?

I am the director of the Russellville Public Library, as of May 16. In this role I am responsible for the library’s public relations, marketing the library’s services to the community and interacting with city, county and state officials. I also am responsible for the oversight of library employees and making sure the facilities and contents are up to date and accessible for patrons.

3. What made you choose your job, and what do you enjoy about it?

I began volunteering a year ago, and to be honest, my love for this library as a patron myself goes back many years. Once I came through the doors as a volunteer and encountered the patrons, my world shifted. I saw a beautiful sense of community within the walls, excitement within the eyes of visiting children and talks of the “good ol’ days” gone by from the older population. That sense of “good” I felt in my soul prompted me to want more of that in my life. To me there is just something about the art of literature that creates a desire to keep reading to find more – more drama, adventure and excitement. I knew right away that I wanted to have a permanent and impactful role. I am so blessed to have been offered the role as the new director.

4. What is your favorite place to visit in Franklin County?

Willow Oak Lodge. I have been so blessed to visit Willow Oak as if it were a second home. Not only does my husband Cody help guide hunts and provide the musical entertainment for the Lodge, but I am also the director of marketing for the facility. From the moment you enter the gates, there is an overwhelming peace and connection to nature.

5. What are your favorite Franklin County restaurants?

I have many: 43 Grill for the atmosphere and, of course, the salad bar; Frosty Inn for the nostalgia of an old-school drive-in and the memories I have made there; Rancho Viejo because Christian and the staff are always friendly and the food is phenomenal; The Grind because I am a huge specialty coffee fan, and it never disappoints; Doe’s, for fine dining at its best; Monchis, one of my favorite seasonal destinations; and finally, CJ’s – where else can you stop for fuel, snacks, tackle and the biggest, best cheeseburger and curly fires on the way to Cedar Creek?

6. Why do you love Franklin County?

My reasons for loving Franklin County run all the way back to my roots. From Friday nights spent cheering on the Bobcats as a cheerleader and cruising the strip in downtown Russellville, to watching my children grow up and experience all that this wonderful community has to offer, Franklin County makes memories that last a lifetime and passes those memories on throughout generations. Those wonderful memories originate from the amazing sense of community.

FAST FIVE

1. Favorite hobby: Gym time

2. Favorite food: Italian

3. Goal or ambition: To bring growth and excitement to the library

4. Church: Witness Outreach Ministries

5. Something people might not know about me is: I actually love to sing. Unfortunately, unlike my husband, I suffer from terrifying stage fright.