Closing a Chapter at the Library

by Mia Schrock

As I write my final At the Library article, I want to begin with a heartfelt thank you.

Thank you to all the wonderful staff I’ve had the privilege of working with over the past

three and a half years. I started this journey as a 14-year-old freshman in high school,

just a kid with her very first job. Now, as I prepare to head off to college, I carry with me

not only incredible memories but also the experience of a lifetime.

I’m endlessly grateful to the library team who supported me, taught me, and

made this place feel like a second home. Over the years, I’ve grown in ways I never

expected, gaining confidence, communication skills, and a deeper appreciation for what

libraries truly offer. I didn’t expect to find my best friend here, but the library has a way of

bringing people together. Everyone is kind, welcoming, and always ready to help. What

began as little sticky notes on our boxes turned into conversations while shelving, and

eventually into hanging out after work and spending weekends together.

That’s what makes the library so special: it’s more than just books. It’s a

community space where people of all ages connect, learn, grow, and sometimes even

find lifelong friends. Whether you’re coming in for a quiet place to study, a fun event, or

just to browse, there’s always something (or someone) worth discovering at your local

library.

To anyone thinking about working at the library, whether you're a student looking

for a first job or someone simply curious about getting involved, do it. You’ll gain more

than just work experience. You'll learn valuable skills, meet amazing people, and

become part of something truly meaningful. The library is a place where stories live, and

I’m so lucky that part of my own story was written here.

Thank you to everyone who made these past few years unforgettable. I’ll miss

this chapter, but I know the library will continue to inspire new ones for so many others.

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