It is with mixed emotions that I am writing this letter to The Malibu Times. I would like to announce that I am leaving my post as the Children’s Librarian at the Malibu Library. My last working day will be Nov. 30. I have accepted a job as the Children’s Librarian in the Brentwood Library.
Accepting the job has been a very difficult decision for me because I have come to really love the Malibu community. In the year and a half that I have been here, the community has embraced me with a great deal of support, encouragement and devotion.
To the children of Malibu, which I have met through class visits, or as talented volunteers, or as all of my faithful library patrons who came for my weekly story times and after school programs, each one of you have touched my life in such a positive way. I will miss all of you very much.
I would also like to give special thanks to all of the people that helped make my job so much easier. Of course that includes the Community Library Manager, Sue Renyer. In the short time that we have worked together, she has shown me so much support. The Malibu community is so very lucky to have her here. Also to Elaine Adler, who trained me and to whom I owe a lot. She is a wonderful mentor and friend. And the rest of the staff at the library. You guys are the best! I know that I would not have been able to coordinate and plan all of the special events and programs without all of your help. Also, to the Friends of the Malibu Library who have been supportive in every way possible.
There are also certain members of the community that I would like to say thank you to. That includes Katie Spangle and the other members of the Sean Matthews Memorial Committee. All of you did such an outstanding job on coordinating and organizing the event. I have no doubt that this event will be one of the highlights of my career. Jane Smith is also someone who deserves special recognition. She is the driving force that coordinated all of Our Lady of Malibu’s class visits and school visits to the library. She is one terrific lady! And of course to Lee Iacovoni, the new after-school reading tutor. I have such high hopes for this program. I know it will be a huge success! And to those who helped me with all of my story times, including Gary and “Shiela” the Wonder Dog, Kathryn Wyre, Laura Rosenthal, Susie Duff, Fireman Don Van Doren and Firefighters from Station 88.
Finally, special special thanks to the media. All of you have been so great in covering all of my events. Thank you, Betty Bailey and Pam Linn from The Malibu Times; Anne Sobel and Frank Lamonea from Surfside. Also to Jeannette Scovill and Don Harmon from Falcon Cable and to the students at Pepperdine who have covered my programs.
Thank you all for helping to make my time here at Malibu one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life!
Michele Mednick, children’s librarian
Malibu Public Library