A FOND FAREWELL

Dear Library Colleagues

I just wanted to let you all know that I have decided to retire and move to Cape Cod. Although I have thoroughly enjoyed directing the Bedford Public Library these past four years and working with all of you during my 33 year library career, I must follow my heart. It was always a dream of mine to retire to the Cape, and fortunately I am now able to make this dream come true.

My last official day as Library Director of the Bedford Public Library was December 1st, but the Trustees asked that I stay on part-time in December to help with the transition. The Trustees have appointed Mary Ann Senatro, our Assistant Director, to be the next Library Director. I'm sure you'll all enjoy working with her as she's a wonderful person and a terrific librarian.

Thank you very much for all of your help over the years as I could never have done this job without your assistance. I'll really miss working with all of you and thank you for enriching my life in so many ways. It's hard to leave a job I love and the New Hampshire library community, but I want to spend the rest of my days as a lady of leisure living by the sea.

When I attended Sherm Pridham's retirement party, he planted the "retirement seed" by sharing one of Hendy David Thoreau's famous quotes which I found truly inspiring:

"I left the woods for as good a reason as I went there.
Perhaps it seemed to me that I have had several lives to live,
and could not spend any more time on this one." (Walden - 'Conclusion')

After 33 years of professional library work in this state (not to mention my high school and college stints), it's time for me to go too, my friends! And I promise NOT to get any beach sand under the Mylar covers of my library books!

My best ~ Shirley Barron