Several months ago, a colleague posted information about the opening for a Library Director in York, Maine on a social media account.  These positions don't open up all that frequently and because York is a desirable location, I knew it was unlikely I'd see a job like this open up again in my career.  I decided to throw caution to the wind and apply for it.  Much to my surprise - and after weeks of interviews and more weeks of waiting - the Trustees of the York Public Library offered me the job.

 

Contrary to what I've heard from a few people, the status of the library's building project did not cause me begin looking elsewhere.  I still strongly believe that the years of planning, evaluation and study led me and the Library's Board of Trustees to the best, most cost effective plan for the town.  It was happily coincidental that it was also the smallest and cheapest of all the plans we considered.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated, but every job has its frustrations.  I've been doing this job long enough that there's a certain level of comfort in it.  It's what I know.  That said...  

 

It's a difficult decision to leave everything I've known and worked so hard for.  I'm vested in the future of my adopted town library and I feel a great loyalty to the staff and trustees.  I weighed things very carefully and ultimately I opted for a fresh start by the ocean.  It might be the coast, but it's still outside my comfort zone.  It's a scary prospect to up and move to a state where I only know a handful of people to begin a job where I don't know a soul, but I'm taking a leap of faith.

 

Thank you to all who have supported me during my tenure here.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as Milford's Library Director. 

 

Michelle