Jim didn't want a traditional retirement party. "Too many greenhouse gas emissions, not to mention unwanted calories," he said. So instead we are having a Virtual Retirement Party - carbon neutral and heart healthy!

To celebrate, Jim wants all his colleagues and associates to post a good wish, photo or a memory to this blog. You can even ask Jim a question. Jim will reply to every post! (Jim will be the only person able to comment on messages after they are posted).

And while you're at it, Jim hopes you will consider a donation in his honor to his favorite charity, our own Talking Book and Braille Services.

Please submit your message before Jim retires on December 30, 2011. Include your name at the end of your message.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Jim's Next Chapter

Jim,

I've been putting off writing this because all the other posts seem so eloquent, heart-felt, and better than what I can do. But here goes. Congratulations on a long and successful career at OSL. You reigned over an era of stability at the State Library, and ushered in strategic changes in its service mission that helped it survive and thrive. It's nice to read the Oregonian or listen to OPB and hear the State Librarian quoted on some topic. You definitely raised the profile of librarianship over your term as State Librarian. I have known you since 1987, when I arrived at OSL as the new Coordinator of Access Services. I moved to WCCLS, the position was eliminated and the building remodel eliminated my old office space. But, I don't take it personally!

You have always been a staunch advocate for reading, whether it be support for early literacy or your recommended reading lists. And when it comes down to it, that is the most important thing we librarians can be. Building literacy in Oregon's children (with much help from RTR funds!) improves school success, increases graduation rates, reduces poverty and dependence on social services, and stabilizes families, neighborhoods and communities. Reading rocks!

I wish you all the best as you begin the next chapter of your life. Please feel free to continue posting book recommendations on Libs-Or.

Cheers to you and your family,

Eva Calcagno, Director
Washington County Cooperative Library Services


1 comment:

  1. Jim ScheppkeDecember 24, 2011 at 7:29 AM

    Thanks so much Eva. It's been great knowing you and working with you all these years. You've done a wonderful job at WCCLS. It's been gratifying to watch the libraries in Washington County emerge from relative mediocrity (yes, I remember the old Beaverton library in a converted grocery store) to become what they are today. There is a great corps of library directors in Washington County that has worked with you to make it happen. My hat's off to all of you. I hope our paths will cross in the future.

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