Greenwich Free Library
August Newsletter
The More Things Change . . . .
July has been a pretty crazy month here, both inside and out. As I write, our parking lot has just reopened. (That's either two weeks after or three days before we expected, depending on which contractor/timeline we consult.) The awful smells from the pvc construction have abated and we're getting used to air conditioned splendor again. Other parts of the project have been delayed and it looks like there will be work going on well into the fall. Our Summer Reading programs have been plagued by mishaps and misunderstandings, which have lead to cancellations and schedule changes. Fall and winter programs I've had set for months are unraveling for an astounding variety of reasons. I've ignored my office plants so long that I noticed today that all but the hardiest succulents have withered.
On the much brighter side: People have been universally gracious about the delays, discomforts and disappointments of July. This week, because my office was so full of pvc glue fumes, I spent more time out in the library seeing and helping regulars and new patrons. I returned fans to the wonderful folks who responded to my plea in the last newsletter. I helped a family with six children take out a boatload of books and sign up for Summer Reading. I was able to share some great resources with colleagues. I got to do an interview with Bob Warren and Joe Donahue for our upcoming concert. I rode my bike to work nearly every day, meeting friends and neighbors all along the way.
As I wrap up my third year here as director, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to play this role in our community. I get to work with and for wonderful people - a truth brought home to me every time I hear about others' employees and boards of directors - in a supportive and caring community.
The sticker on our door says, "Libraries Transform". That willingness and even eagerness to change in order to serve the changing - and traditional - needs of our community is part of the beauty of this institution. It doesn't always go as smoothly as we'd like, but we get there in the end.
-Annie
Greenwich Free Library
Email: amiller@sals.edu
Website: www.greenwichfreelibrary.com
Location: 148 Main Street, Greenwich, NY, United States
Phone: (518)692-7157
Twitter: @GwichFreeLib