Working at the town public library is a great opportunity. Some of the most special moments come as a result of numerous interactions with patrons and staff. Joys and sorrows, births and deaths, laughter and tears have all been shared across the desk in my office with staff members and across the circulation desk with patrons. It is on those days when the sharing occurs that the realization of the magnitude of my responsibility to others is the greatest challenge as well as the greatest reward. I have learned what it means to be a human being in those situations; what it means to be a strong leader, how critical the library is to our community.

Several days of joy stand out in my memory… the day a new Mom & Dad with a swaddled newborn stopped at the Tucker Free on their way home from hospital would make any day special. Then add in another patron an hour later who boasted that she turned 99 years young. That made a special day SPECTACULAR! I won’t share the sorrows but those days are memorable too, for very different reasons.
When I opened the February White Birch newsletter yesterday, I was greeted by a beautiful love story. A story that notched my heart. I am especially excited because that love story began at a program at the Tucker Free Library. The WB seniors and I have been meeting on the third Thursday of the month at the library to discuss a wide and varied range of issues for 4 1/2 years. I have met some truly wonderful people who have shared some very touching stories. I have learned a great deal from this group. I have learned how important it is to have connections in life — even when every fiber of your being wants to retreat into solitude. I have learned how resilient these people are, sharing stories about their most difficult moments. I have learned that to be human means you have to be open to vulnerability to reap the rewards of an authentic life.

Bernie and Pauline met at one of our monthly TED Talks that we co-sponsor with the White Birch Senior Program. When I asked Beth Ann Paul (White Birch Senior Activity Coordinator) if I could use Bernie and Pauline’s story she wrote back “Don’t you love a love story and being part of it?” Yes. It does feel great being part of something so special! Enjoy. Read more about this special couple here.