I was saddened when Rachel Plant, our Youth Services Librarian of many years, let me know on May 14 that she had decided to retire. Yet as someone who believes that our lives are filled with many wonderful chapters, I am happy for her to be finding the next meaningful one she’ll enjoy. I’m also able to stay positive since she will continue to serve the community as a children’s services volunteer.

She’ll also continue to share her wealth of experience with all of us as we look to expand both Bixby’s physical and digital offerings to inspire, engage and empower our next generation with the joys and enlightenment that our library brings. In her own words, Rachel has “grown readers” in our community and I am excited to celebrate her work and continue this tradition with our next Youth Librarian.

Please read Rachel’s heartfelt note to the community here.

~Catharine Findiesen Hays