May 16, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   Graduation is just around the corner.  This rite of passage is an important milestone in every young adult’s life - the transition from student to adult, the movement from the safe environment of school to the real world.

   I have some thoughts I’d like to share with the graduating class…

   Be flexible.  This one attribute can make all the difference in your future dealings with people in your life, on the job and in the community.  Don’t bend over backwards to please people, but when situations change and plans go awry, be flexible enough to come back and keep going. 

   That said, always have at least one backup plan.  Life doesn’t always go exactly the way we want it to (surprise!) and it is good to have some options available - the more the better.

   Laugh...I heard a speaker say not that long ago that if you’re going to laugh about it five years from now, laugh NOW!  When it seems like life is throwing you curve balls and raining on your parade - laugh.  Humour can make any situation more tolerable and easier to handle.

   Have fun.  Life can be serious, worrisome and depressing, if you want it to be.  Or, it can be one exciting adventure after another.  It’s your choice.

   Congratulations to the Class of 2003!

Beth

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May 2, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   May 13th will mark the 5th anniversary of my librarianship at Alix Public Library.  Time really does fly by when you are having fun, or just having endless computer problems!

   The Library has grown and undergone many changes and improvements in the past five years.  How many of you remember what the basement looked like before the renovations?  My very first task as Librarian was to clean everything (including the spiders) out of the basement so the renovations could take place - that was definitely an adventure. 

   Other changes and improvements have included the acquisition of Internet computers, the establishment of the Audio/Visual Suite, “When in…” Supper evenings, increased hours, and a weekly Preschool Story Hour.

   Becoming the Librarian in Alix has been one of the best things to ever happen to me.  Looking through some old Library minutes, I decided that I was obviously meant to have this job because I refused to consider it through the years and I still ended up here!

   In 1994, friends told me that the position was available and I should apply.  All I could think about was that I never (never say never) wanted to work in Alix.  It was still too close to graduation, and at the time I didn’t have too many fond memories of the community.  I was very happy working in the Bashaw Library, and I felt that I never wanted to work in Alix.  Refusal number 1.

   Then in 1998, two days after the application deadline (whew, I was safe, or so I thought) it was mentioned to me that Alix Library had been advertising for a new librarian and I should have applied.  Even though the deadline was past, they might accept an application.  After all those years, my list of reasons for refusing to even consider the position hadn’t really changed.  Having missed the application deadline, I figured that would be the end of it.    Refusal number 2.

   The end of April, 1998, Kitty Parlby phoned me at Bashaw and asked me if I could train their new librarian.  I hesitated, but training was a different kettle of fish from working, so I agreed.  Little did I know that once they got me in the door, I wouldn’t get off so easy.  After mentioning to the lady whom I was training that my career dream had always been to be a librarian, she approached the Library Board and suggested they hire me as the head librarian, with her as my assistant.  When the idea was presented to me, I was very hesitant.   Unfortunately (or so it seemed at the time) my reasons for refusing seemed to be no longer valid!  I accepted their offer and the rest is history, and I have had no regrets.

   If you are unsure about what direction to go, don’t worry.  If you stay true to your personal values, you’ll end up where you should be!

Beth

Read the complete issue of The Chautauqua here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gLQCBHO32NravqTZvGzNzpoM_Jdvgo1I/view?usp=sharing

To contact The Chautauqua, email: thechautauqua@gmail.com.