It’s here. My last day has arrived. It hardly seems possible. I’ve known it was coming. I planned it a few years back. But it was always in the misty future. Still plenty of time to do that special project. Still time to clean out 30 years of files from my office.

And yet, the last couple of days has seen me frantically going through decades of information and hurriedly jotting down unreadable notes for my unsuspecting successor. Truth be told, most of these files have no real importance but hold many memories and they’re hard to toss. As much as I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my life filled with travel, late mornings drinking coffee and driving my husband crazy, I’m also sad to go.

After I started presenting storytimes at the library, I would run into families from my programs in the grocery store or at event. Inevitably the child would tug on a parents sleeve and say, look there’s the library lady! That tugged on my heart. It made me realize that to that child I was the library. I’ve been connected to the library ever since, dedicated to serving the children and promoting literacy in our community. I’ve also realized that the library, the wonderful staff and public will always be a part of me, even when I step away. 

Children, parents, teachers community partners, fellow staff members – I’ve enjoyed working with you all and shall miss seeing you on a regular basis. You have made my work a joy and I appreciate all of your kindness and support. I hope that someday we’ll meet in that grocery store, event or even the library. It will always be a part of me, I’ll just now be on the other side of the desk. 

Until we meet again, happy reading!Christina