CAROL RICKERT
Head of Circulation
miservices@delcolibraries.org
I already know many of the MFL patrons as I am usually standing at the front desk, but let me introduce myself to those of you I have not met. I have reached the point in life where I most often introduce myself as a lucky grandmother of five lovely grandkids. My husband, Tom, and I moved to Delaware County 45 years ago. Our three children, Jon, Brian and Maggie, graduated from Penncrest High School. It is hard to believe, but our oldest turns 40 this year. How can I be the mother of a 40 year old??? Shortly before the pandemic, I retired from Apex Learning as Director of Sales for the East Coast. During my 40 years in sales I worked with public libraries and school districts. Once retired, I quickly realized that I missed work and began working at MFL.
In order to write this, I began thinking of why I Love MFL and certain words and images came to mind. I thought of the many smiling faces that approach the circulation desk having found a pile of new books. I am thinking of our conversations about favorite authors and books that often bring to surface personal issues. Today, the first visitors to the library were several groups of neuro-diverse individuals and their staff who come daily to socialize. I see their friendships grow. I can’t think of the library without hearing the giggling voices of the many children who come with their caregivers. They bring joy to our library. There are also many folks, who like me, are approaching (or have arrived in) their golden years and are such loyal library patrons, who are now my friends.
In short, when I think of MFL I think of community, a rich diverse community of all ages and backgrounds. Our community is linked and strengthened by the programs, staff and offerings of MFL.
When creating MFL programing Derek, Jason, Libby and Laura work to meet a wide range of our community’s needs. I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to establish Life’s Final Chapter Book Club. This program offers book club members the opportunity to safely explore a subject that very few of us speak about – death and dying. The personal conversations have touched on everything from end-of-life medical care, to dealing with family members, hospice care, reviewing paperwork and grief. Through this program, MFL has been able to extend its community reach to include residents at nearby senior living communities. Interest in this program continues and we hope to soon expand our offerings to include speakers on elder law, hospice, funeral homes, and offer a grief workshop.
Of course, when thinking about the MFL community, books come to mind – and I’d like to share the title of one of my favorites: Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. It is a children’s book that tells the story of life’s full circle and the full circle of parent-child love. It is so simple and yet so powerful. It brings tears to my eyes as I write this. This book, and so many books and programs here at MFL, pull us together and strengthen community –
That’s why I Love MFL!
That’s why I Love MFL!
