Thank You and Adieu

Last night the Library was alive with laughter, curiosity, intelligence, passion, and the love of a good story, as we gathered to listen to Cara Black share how and why she writes her mysteries set in Paris. It was wonderful.

During the ten years I have worked at Pacific Grove Public Library, there are not many moments when I have just sat and imbibed the atmosphere of the Library. When you're part of the staff, there is always something or somebody, (if not many things and many people), waiting for your attention.

For the most part, I find the constant movement, interaction, variety of questions and responsibilites energizing.  But there is something peaceful and settling about entering the Library and quietly imbibing its atmosphere.  It's like a good poem or a soft melody or the company of a dear friend - it holds you and opens your awareness to new possibilities.

I have worked in more than a dozen libraries during my career: public, academic, legal, even a bookmobile driving around San Francisco. But this library, the Pacific Grove Public Library, is my favorite.

It's my favorite for many reasons. I love the Carnegie arches and the high ceilings. I love the Children's Room and the Landaker mural. I love the collection, which has been carefully honed to contain old and new titles - to be discovered and rediscovered by one generation, then another. But mainly I love the spirit - of the library, the staff, the community it serves.

I love the staff who welcome you as you walk in the door. I love the exuberance that rings out from the Children's Room. I love the inquisitiveness of people who stop by the reference desk.  I love the fact that visitors feel at home here. Because the reality is - this is part of every Pagrovian's home.

The Library is  the community's living room - a place where you can relax, rejuvenate, engage. There's something for everybody: books, newspapers, magazines, music, movies, eBooks to read, audio books to listen to, story times for children, events for adults. 

When I've entered the Library through the staff entrance, I've been inspired by the potential - for the Library to build on its natural beauty and spirit and become even more for its community. More programs for teens and adults; more workshops on writing or using technology, on cooking (during the Farmers Market), or even knitting; a speaker's circle highlighting the creativity and expertise of local residents; an oral history program; local history exhibits; game night; bookclubs, etc.

There is so much I had hoped to do: to help rebuild the Library after the devasting budget cuts of 2008; to help make it a "village library for the 21st century."

And so it is with some sadness that I bid the Library, its staff and patrons adieu. I have accepted an offer to join the staff at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, and will begin working there next week. (I feel like I am going to graduate school: so many new resources and databases to learn, while I meet and assist students from all over the world!)

I have loved being here. I have enjoyed meeting you, chatting with you, working with you.  Thank you for trusting me with your questions, sharing your ideas and inspiration, lending a helping hand, being wonderful patrons.

My wish for you is that your Library receives stable and secure funding - soon. And flourishes for another century or two.

Best Regards,
Pamela