I was so in awe of Jim Scheppke when I became Director of the Seaside Library. He would call and say, “This is Jim Scheppke,” and I would say, “Oh my god, it’s the Holy of Holies”. Once, I referred to him as Our Lord of the Library, but I was discouraged from that heretical folly quite quickly. He overlooked my idiocy with grace (although I am quite sure he hated to phone me).
Here’s the thing about Jim. He is always nice, and trust me, that’s big. He was nice to me at least, despite the fact I don’t have a library degree and failed twice at forming a district. Twice! Once was bad enough, but twice! Any State Librarian would have sent me to Library Loser Purgatory or put me on some sort of secret list of Those Who Don’t Deserve ****. But, Jim never did that. He was always kind and helpful. Not only was he still nice to me, but he graciously agreed to speak at the opening of our new library in 2008. His leadership and mentoring is invaluable to me. I still refer to him as the Holy of Holies whenever he calls, but come to think of it, that’s probably why he hasn’t called in years.
Jim Scheppke rocks!
-- Reita Fackerell
Library Director, Seaside Public Library
Hi Reita. Sorry I haven't called. I did drop in when I was at the OASL conference a few weeks ago but you don't work on Saturdays (don't blame you -- I don't either). You are one of the library directors in Oregon that prove that you don't necessarily have to have the MLS to be a great director (Denise Lee is another one). You can learn on the job. Your library is one of the best small libraries in the state. I may rock, but you are awesome. Keep it up.
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