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?