I’m sure I’ve shared this story before with others (and maybe even on this blog), but it is one of my favorites. I can still remember the message I received one day on my voicemail at school. I was in my second year as a librarian and still figuring out what I was doing. Anyway, here is the voice message, “Carl, this is Marge Cox from Noblesville Schools. I have a wonderful opportunity for you. Call me back!” Now, I knew that Marge was the current President of our association and I had met her before, but that had been about it. So, I called her back…who knew that it would lead to my first AASL committee, getting more involved in my state organization, and a few more years down the road lead me to a position in her district.

I think for me, that is the reason I belong to professional organization. Those connections you make with people are just invaluable. I have a whole support network that I’ve built over the years that I can call on to celebrate the joys and wallow in the defeats. We need those folks who do the same job we do because they can relate.

It was a lot of fun sharing those thoughts (along with the long list of what AASL is working on currently) with the librarians at the meeting yesterday. It was also a joy being on the panel with my colleagues Leslie Preddy from Perry Meridian Middle School and Susan Akers, ILF Exec. Director.

So, next time you get one of those calls, emails, texts, Twitter postings, or a not on Facebook, take the time to get back in touch with whoever sent. You just never know what that opportunity might be!

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?