Here's to the library ladies
An article about the retirement of Library Director Deborah Clark, right, whose last day on the job is today, appeared in today's paper. Clark was hired 15 years ago to transform a county-run facility into the current system.Clark really, really loves books, which is probably why she was so good at her job. She stays up until 1 a.m. reading and is bright and cheery the next day at 8 a.m. getting the community excited about reading.
"I'm one of those people ... if I'm
standing in line, I'm reading a book," she said.Councilwoman Diane Williams, pictured here, is another ardent book lover. When Mayor Don Kurth asked Williams to say a few words about Clark at the last City Council meeting, he introduced her as the "library lady."
Before Williams got on the council, she used to be on the other side of the dais touting library events and programs. She put out a library newsletter on her memory typewriter and made copies on her own dime.
"By doing all that, you come to be known as a library lady," Williams said. "It was not always said in a positive vein but now I take it with pride."
Starting next week, assistant library director Robert Karatsu will head the city's library department. Please don't call him library lady.
Thanks Wendy. The RC Public Library services are the best in the County thanks to many - led by Deborah, Robert, Michelle, City Councilmembers and volunteers.
Thanks Wendy. The RC Public Library services are the best in the County thanks to many - led by Deborah, Robert, Michelle, City Councilmembers and volunteers.
Thanks to Deborah Clark. She is a fine librarian. I remember a number of years ago I took my daughter Valerie to a kids' event complete with clowns and various other entertainment at various stations where the kids got a prize for completing the stations. I picked a book off the shelf (I think Artificial Life by Stephen Levy) and read it while accompanying Valerie along the way. Ms. Clark saw me doing this, and insisted on lifting a chair over the crowd so I could sit while reading. Now that was a demonstration on how she values reading! The book was pretty good (I finished it at home) and so is Levy's Hackers (sweet and sour bitter melon indeed!).
Congrats Mrs. Clark for a job well done. Why did the city name the new library at Victoria Gardens the Paul Biane Library? Yuck!
Deborah Clark and her staff have indeed put together a fine library. Here's to book lovers!
Yes, it's Library *Dude* to you... :]
RK