Going off the road

This will be my last posting for Mobile Library Services. I took my last ride in the bookmobile on Saturday, working the community route as always. I was talking to George, a driver and friend that has worked for the bookmobile for years, about the fact that I probably won't get another chance to ride a bookmobile. I said I would have to regain my land legs. And that is just what I will have to do. After nearly 10 years with the program, riding far and wide around the county, weathering a variety of breakdowns, traffic jams, generator problems, and everything else that makes bookmobiling challenging, fascinating and down right fun, I am moving to New Hampshire to a new library experience.

I want to introduce you to my successor as Operations Manager - Chuck Arrigo. He started working for the bookmobile a couple of months before me, so we have had very similar experiences, found our way in the program at the same time, and share a very strong passion about bookmobiles and the important work they do and the important service they provide. He's an all-around great person, and he will be taking over this blog. Come back and see what views from the road he will be sharing. He actually drives the bookmobiles, so there will be a difference right away - I have always just been able to enjoy the ride and relied on our wonderful drivers to get us where we were going.

I have to thank each and every member of my staff for their dedication, hard work and ability to adjust to the surprises that bookmobiling brings to work life. They have all taught me so much and have made me a better person, librarian and manager. They all do great things for the program, and I know they will carry on with their new fearless leader.

So, be sure to come back in a couple of weeks and continue this journey - just with a new narrator. Just like any trip, you aren't sure what is around the next corner or over the next hill, but you know it will be worth the trip.

DVD: Rocky and Bullwinkle, season 1
Book: U-Turn: What if you woke up one morning and realized you were living the wrong life, by Bruce Grierson
Book: Yes man, by Danny Wallace