RETIRING

I am both excited and a little amazed to say the word retirement out loud. When I first walked through the doors of The Laurel Jones County Library, I never imagined how quickly a quarter of a century would pass—or how deeply this place, and the people in it, would shape my life.

Over the years, I’ve seen many changes: new faces, new technologies, new challenges, and new ways of doing our work. What hasn’t changed is the heart of this organization—the commitment, teamwork, and the shared sense of purpose that brought us together day after day. Some of my proudest moments weren’t big or flashy. They were the everyday victories: solving a tricky problem as a team, mentoring someone who was starting out, or helping a project cross the finish line. Those are the memories I carry with me most strongly.

I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to learn and grow here. I’ve gained skills, experience, and confidence that I couldn’t have imagined when I first started. More importantly, I’ve gained friendships that I hope will last long beyond my last day on the job.

To my colleagues—past and present—thank you. Thank you for your support, your patience, your good humor, and your willingness to tackle hard things together. Thank you for the laughs during busy seasons, the encouragement during tough times, and the small kindnesses that made even the longest days better.

As I step into retirement, I’m looking forward to a new season of life: more time with family and friends, the chance to travel a bit more slowly, and the freedom to explore hobbies and interests that have been waiting in the wings. While I may be turning in my badge, I’ll always feel connected to this place and to the people who made my years here so meaningful.

It has truly been an honor to be part of this team and this story.

Even though I will no longer be writing a blog for the Laurel Jones County Library, I will likely start one of my own for my family history research journey.