A Volume of Challenges? That's Not How I See It!

"Did you see the editorial about you yesterday?" That was the question greeting me this morning after finding my office, still bleary from lost sleep due to Saturday's "spring ahead". Uh, no. Do I want to? So obviously the first thing I did after firing up the computer was head over to the Stockton Record to take a look at what was being said about me. Being new to this level of government administration, hearing that there is an editorial about me in the paper creates a strange sensation. I imagine one gets used to it.

For the record (no pun intended), I loved Sunday's editorial (you might be prompted to log in; if so, you can create an account for free). Knowing that the local paper understands the importance of having a capable administrator for the public library system, even in difficult economic times, is so encouraging. After all, questioning my hire at this point in Stockton's (and San Joaquin County's) fiscal struggle is understandable and to be expected. But still, reading in the paper that "there's a lot more to it than checking out books and putting them back on the shelf when they're returned.To suggest otherwise is a little like asking why a dispatcher can't run a fire department" is refreshing!

I've said it already but I get the feeling this won't be the last time: the people served by the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library really love their libraries. I couldn't be more thrilled at the opportunity to work with everyone involved to help turn this library system into one that is respected and even envied throughout this state!

This has me in mind of some of the conversations I had on Friday night at the Library and Literacy Foundation's hugely successful 19th Annual Trivia Bee; several people with whom I was chatting joked about the circumstance of coming to SSJCPL what with all the current challenges. Each time this sentiment was expressed, I responded honestly that I see this period in the Library's history as one of great opportunity rather than one of great challenge. Each time I responded this way, I was met with chuckles. Not that those with whom I was talking didn't believe in me optimism; however, the easy way would be to feel sorry for ourselves. I've already gotten to know many of the folks who work for the Library and it is clear this isn't a group who wants to feel sorry for themselves. They want to find ways to surmount our collective challenges and come out the better for it. And I look forward to doing just that!