Dear readers, I have reached a fork in the road. One road continues my library career, the other starts my retirement journey. After 30 years working for Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries, and 13 years writing the “Check It Out” column, I have decided to take the road to retirement. When I started this column in 2011, I wasn’t sure how long it would last or if anyone would read it, but I was sure about one thing: books fill me with joy. They say do what makes you happy, and writing this column has done exactly that.
What does retirement look like for me? A lot less structure. No more alarm clocks, definitely more reading, some major decluttering, and whatever else I want to do. The word “weekend” won’t have the same meaning, so the pressure of getting stuff done in two days will evaporate. If I hadn’t been planning for retirement, I might feel anxious about life after work. The key word here is “planning,” and I encourage anyone who is currently working to think about and plan for retirement.
This wouldn’t be a “Check It Out” column without reading recommendations, so let me suggest some bibliotherapy on the happy theme of independence from the working life. No matter where you are on the timeline of working life to retired life, a little strategizing and preparation doesn’t hurt.
My official retirement will take place in late fall, but it’s time for me to sign off from “Check It Out” and turn it over to another librarian who will delight and inform with her wonderful reading recommendations. It has been my honor and pleasure sharing books and media with you, and, as always, keep on reading!
