Goodbye to Ina and Ralph

Today marks the last day of work for two long-term CCPL staff members. Both Ina Bootle, Collection Development, and Ralph Freeman, Main Circulation, are retiring today. Ina and Ralph have each worked for CCPL 30+ years. They've both worked in various capacities and at more than one location over the years. It's hard to imagine them not being here. We lose a little of our collective history when this happens. I wish them well.

Last day to RSVP

There's still time to say Yes to attending the 2007 Holiday Gala! This year we'll be in a new location (Hampton Inn-Grand Pam Room, 678 Citadel Haven Drive) and I'm looking forward to seeing it. If you haven't been to a gala, please come. If you've been before, come this year! It's always more fun when there are lots of us there and it's a great way to spend some social time together and to match those names you hear and see, with actual people.

So, contact Melissa Christakos at the Main Library today. See you there!

Thankful for many things

I'm feeling thankful.

Helping my husband deal with a broken leg and the extra effort involved in doing simple daily things makes me more aware of how fortunate I am. It's all too easy to take mobility for granted.

Daily we work with co-workers who have serious illnesses. I'm thankful for the increasing knowledge of medical treatment, that our friends are being cared for, that they are working their way towards wellness, and that we have insurance coverage and sick leave.

I'm thankful that we work in a learning organization that offers a chance to learn a little concerning new technologies. Tech Trek 2.0 was great and I appreciate the support we received in getting this program off the ground and the work that our committee did in tailoring these quests to CCPL.

There are many more things I'm thankful for, of course. But what about you? Anything that you are especially feeling this year?

Return to life

I am here to say that, yes, there is life after The Big Read. I had my doubts for a while. You may well think that The Big Read is over, so what's the delay? The programs did end, but the paperwork didn't. Grants, of course, require an evaluation, and in this case it was an extensive one. It left my office late yesterday afternoon. So, at long last I can turn my attention to other matters.
I can honestly say that I have never worked on such an all consuming project. I felt crazed with all the details. I think we had a great program and it couldn't have happened without you. Thanks to all of you for supporting the project, volunteering for the many things we undertook and being enthused about The Big Read.
So, here's the question. Should we do this again? The grant cycle has changed and the next round, due in February, is for September 2008 through June 2009. Awards will be announced in late April 2008. I'd be willing to serve as an adviser (believe me, I learned a lot!), but really want to pass the torch on to someone else. I feel confident that the second round would be easier and we could easily spread out the work load so it wouldn't be as overwhelming. Interested???