Today I worked my last hours at the Speedway Public Library. I started at SPL on June 8, 1993 following my junior year in high school. I was hired as a page to shelve books (something I never did enjoy, but it was a job). I took the job to avoid working at a fast food restaurant or the grocery store, but this part-time job ended up help guide me down a path to my career. Sometimes we don’t know the power that one decision can have on the rest of their lives.
Speedway is a small public library in central Indiana. I’ve been going their since I was a young child. After I left for college and began my study of school media services, I moved up the ranks to a circulation clerk. When I would come home from Ball State University, I would work a few hours during the winter and then full-time during the summer. When I started student teaching, I decided to keep working just one night a week — that was 11 years ago. I’ve been working that one night a week every sense. Occassionally I would work an extra Saturday if they were short, but as they years have gone on my schedule precluded me from any additional hours.
Two weeks ago I began to exam all that I was working on. Between school, professional commitments, and some consulting, it became clear that I need to free up some time. Last Monday I shared with the Director my notice to leave. It was a hard decision to make. The library has been a part of my life for almost half of my lifetime. 15 years is a long time to spend in once place. Many of the people I worked with have been their even longer than that, so it is very much a family. I guess that probably is what kept me going back so long…even with a long commute.
Over the time I was there, I was part of automating the library, connecting databases computers, connect Internet stations, adding a CD and DVD collections, and much more. Under the helm of Darsi Bohr, the library continues to have one mission – providing the absolute best services and support for Speedway residents. All of these project and adventures helped prepare me as I run my own library now at school. I know the Speedway Public Library and their staff has had a profound impact on my life. There will be lots of elements about the job I’ll miss, but its time to turn a page and start a new chapter.
Who knows what the next adventure might be?