Jim, on behalf of the elementary and secondary students in Oregon, I want to thank you for your tireless efforts to fan the flames of reading, to instill a passion for finding answers and to reach learners in every corner of the state, no matter how small the school or district. You are a most special friend and supporter of Oregon school libraries. OSLIS, Battle of the Books, and a full-time school library consultant at the State Library are the direct results of your passion, your interest, and your leadership. How many Saturdays did you spend at the "always-exciting" OASL (OEMA) board meetings!?!
And, Jim, I had the unique opportunity to observe the respect accorded to you by other state, county and academic librarians from all over the country during my tenure on the BCR Advisory Board. Your quiet, thoughtful and wise voice (albeit with a slight Southern drawl) was often able to cut through the discussions, debates, and occasional dissension by offering an sound avenue for resolution.
Thank you for your constant and most appreciated dedication to all libraries, librarians, and library staff. I wish you a wonderful, relaxing, book-filled, and active retirement.
Kelly Kuntz
That's a Texan drawl, Kelly. There's a difference.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a great pleasure working with you, Kelly. You have been such a great leader for OASL and for the Beaverton School District. Your district may have the best school library program in the state, and you had a awful lot to do with making that happen and maintaining it against great odds. I hope you'll keep it up. We all need to keep fighting for school libraries.