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May 19, 2008
Bravo to Barbara
Many of you have already heard that Barbara Czekala, Head of Reference is retiring at the end of this month. Barbara has been here for 43 years which makes it sound like she’s 110, but in reality she’s a very young retiree! She began when she was still in high school in 1965, and has been heading the Reference Department since 1980.
These last twenty years have seen incredible changes in the library world. As card catalogs became computerized and reference books have given way (somewhat) to Electronic Databases, Barbara managed to bridge the gap between print and technology effortlessly. Not an easy feat!
Barbara’s job responsibilities include developing and maintaining the entire fiction and nonfiction collection. She literally has handled every book on the shelf. Since Roslyn is a well read community, equipped with such a small building, Barbara has had to make difficult decisions regarding what to purchase. She has called the lack of space a kind of “censorship.” But, one of the best kept collections in the county will be an important part of the legacy she leaves behind for the rest of us, and for that we are grateful.
On a personal note, one of Barbara’s outstanding characteristics is her generosity. Not an occasion goes by without a special cake, card, gift or luncheon. She makes everyone in the department feel special. But, Barbara’s generosity extends beyond hospitality – it is her sharing of her broad depth of knowledge that has made it an incredible pleasure to work with her for so many years.
Barbara will spend retirement gardening, spending time with her husband and son, traveling, as well as lots and lots of reading, I'm sure! Bravo to Barbara on an awesome career and best wishes for a relaxing, fun and healthy retirement. You will be missed.
Posted by Michele at May 19, 2008 3:21 PM
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