By
Jan Pease
Today
I’m going to tell you a story. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…
Oops! Wrong story! Let’s try this again.
Late
In 1990 I was a sad mom who was still grieving the loss of our infant son,
Nathaniel. Our daughter was in first grade, and I was at home every day, but
was teaching a few piano students. My mom saw a little notice in the paper
that the library was looking for someone to work 8 hours a week, including one
story hour. Mom suggested that it would be good for me to get out of the
house. She promised free child care! So I applied, head librarian Carol Blunt
hired me, and as they say, the rest is history. I officially started in
January of 1991.
My
brother’s comment was, “Eight hours a week! Is that a real
job?” It grew into a bigger job, but planning and presenting story times
remained a huge part of what I do. Eventually, I was responsible for
purchasing books for the four libraries in Meeker County. Summer Reading
Programs have been a big part of my job. I’ve also written an average of
two columns a month for more than 20 years. That might be the equivalent of
the book I always meant to write.
It’s
been a privilege to work with talented, curious, intelligent people. The staff
at Litchfield Library provides excellent library services. I have to add that
Beth Cronk has done a wonderful job of stepping into the management of all of
the Meeker County libraries.
As
time slipped by I approached retirement age. It came so fast! I thought if my
health held up, I’d like to work until age 67. Well, during our great
time out, I had a birthday and the number is 67. I’ve been talking about
when and how to retire, and the time is now.
Library
service is drastically changed, and there are no summer programs planned for
groups at this time. It seems like a good time to close this chapter of my
life. Do I need to add that this is an extremely difficult decision? But
it’s the right decision. As of May 31st, I’m retired.
I
love living in Litchfield, and Dave and I will still be here. We have no
retirement plans to move to a more temperate clime. I’m looking forward
to having free time to meet friends for coffee or lunch, or both.
Robert
Browning wrote, in a poem titled “Rabbi Ben Ezra” (read the whole
poem sometime)
Grow old along
with me!
The best is yet
to be,
The last of
life, for which the first was made:
Our times are in
His hand
Who saith
"A whole I planned,
Youth shows but
half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!''
See
you around!
