Initial Post

The Hoosier Librarian has become a Michigander! That's right, I'm now in my third month at the Southfield Public Library (a wonder you must visit if you are a library person!). I'm official now, with Michigan plates on my car and a Michigan Driver's License. And, it only took 6 visits to the Secretary of State's offices to get the change made!

My family is preparing for a move in June. Our house is on the market and we have once all picked out up here in lovely SE Michigan. The community has been overwhelmingly welcoming to me - with both co-workers and patrons showing great enthusiasm and warmth to me. It's been a great experience! Even strangers have been friendly and helpful when asked questions about "where am I" or "how do I get to...". An auspicious beginning to a new chapter in our family's life.

About the library... We have been in the new facility for about 4 years, which has allowed us to work out the various bugs related to any new building. Now the staff and board are looking forward to creating a blueprint for the future. In that vein, we have begun mapping out how we plan to conduct development of a strategic and long range plan. It's something that we undertake with all seriousness as we really want to prepare our community for future successes. We anticipate reaching out to the business community, other city departments, the religious communities, civic groups and schools to identify the needs, wishes, wants & desires of Southfield. This is an exciting time to lead such a great group!

I've been energized and impressed with the people gathered by my predecessor, Doug Zyskowski. He assembled a team that works well together, thinks things through, and can accomplish whatever tasks we may discover with efficiency and effectiveness. What a legacy I've inherited!

Time to go to another meeting. This post is the first of a new chapter. Talk to you soon. Dave