10/05/2026
The Gadsden Public Library family is deeply saddened by the passing of our longtime friend, supporter, and former Library Director, Bobby Junkins.
Bobby’s relationship with the library stretched across much of his life. He began working at the library as a young man and later went on to serve as Library Director. Although his career eventually took him into other areas of public service—including service in the Alabama Legislature and as Etowah County Probate Judge—Bobby never forgot the Gadsden Public Library or the important role libraries play in a community.
During his years of public service, Bobby remained one of the library’s strongest advocates. His support was especially important in helping develop and expand our genealogy collection. What began as only a small collection grew into one of the strongest genealogy resources in northeast Alabama, serving countless people researching their families and the history of our area.
In January 2020, the Gadsden Public Library proudly honored Bobby by naming our Alabama City Branch in his honor—a fitting tribute to someone whose life and career were so closely connected to the library and to public service.
Even after leaving public office, Bobby remained a familiar face at the library. He visited often, stayed interested in what we were doing, offered encouragement, and continued to be a true friend to the library and our staff.
Bobby leaves behind a tremendous legacy of service to Gadsden and Etowah County, and a very special legacy here at GPL. We will always be grateful for his leadership, his advocacy, his friendship, and his belief in the importance of libraries.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Susie and Bobby’s entire family and all those who knew and loved him.
Thank you, Bobby, for being such an important part of the Gadsden Public Library story. You will be greatly missed, but you will never be forgotten.
