Geneva Mixon, Nederland. Some folks are lucky. They are born knowing what they want to do, and they have the skills, passion, and drive to accomplish their dreams. I have always had an abundance of passion, but I am more of a renaissance girl. I am lucky to be good at many things, but alas I am truly great at very few. This has made my journey to a professional career a bit more of a winding path than a fast track.

Recently my professional journey has felt a bit more like a Robert Frost poem as I am embarking on the road less traveled. My last day as Assistant Director at the Nederland Community Library is Thursday, May 14th. My husband and I are moving to a rural region of the state in order to purchase an affordable home. I will be pursuing new professional opportunities when I get settled into our new home.

During my graduate career it surprised me to learn how much I enjoyed teaching. I have always loved learning, and so it should not have been a surprise, but it was. In fact I found that I could motivate myself to work on lesson plans far easier than I could push myself to work on my own research.

The Greater Nederland area enjoys an amazing book culture. I have always been an avid reader. I love losing myself in a good book. I love reading poetry and geeking out on a single line of prose. I love living in a community of readers. I adore sharing my favorite books with others, be they 6 months old, six years old, or sixty years old.

I knew I loved books when I started working at NCL, but what I didn’t know is how much I enjoy sharing my love of books, especially with children. Reading develops empathy, gives us an escape when times are hard, and improves brain health. A child’s reading aptitude at 9 years of age is one of the best predictors of their success when they are 30 years old.

Reading is a passion that is worth sharing and it has been deeply gratifying to connect with the young people in the community to share my love of singing, reading, and playing.

Libraries are also on the front line of promoting and encouraging digital literacy. Did you know that the IRS quit printing instruction booklets this year? Now everyone has to go online to access forms and instruction booklets.

The digital divide is real. We are all going to need to have computer skills to be successful in the modern world. Libraries all over the nation, including NCL, are working hard to provide access to technology and technology training. I predict that in my lifetime digital literacy will be as important as traditional literacy, and I am proud to have assisted NCL in creating programs that promote digital literacy.

Public libraries are the lifeblood of the community. Most recently libraries have been commended for staying open and giving support to the communities of Ferguson, Missouri, and Baltimore, Maryland. Libraries are also on the front line of the fight to protect your right to privacy.

I am sometimes asked about the future of libraries. I think they have a bright future. Digital books are a nice convenience, but the fact is that study after study has found that we learn better and retain what we learn more easily when the text is printed. Librarians have always worked to serve information, and now they work even harder to help folks find and make sense out of the chaotic array of digital information that exists.

Librarians continue to provide reference assistance and promote literacy as they always have. A great community is at the heart of every great library. Each library is unique and yet they have the goal of serving their community in common. The library’s role may change and evolve, but they fill a basic need in our society, a need that is very relevant today.

I could not imagine having a better, more supportive work environment than the one that I enjoyed at NCL. I could not have envisioned a better job for myself here in Ned. Each relationship has been precious to me, and I have especially enjoyed working with young folks and mentoring student assistants and volunteers.

I will miss my friends, colleagues, and work at NCL, but I have no doubt the the staff and volunteers will continue to serve the community with great books, educational programs for all ages, and computer access alongside technological assistance.

I am grateful to the taxpayers in the Nederland Community Library District. Your tax dollars have created a lovely building, but more importantly they have contributed to promoting traditional and digital literacy in the community and given everyone who comes to Ned access to a computer and the Internet. I have been lucky to get to see the fruits of your investment by working at the library for the past 3 years.

Many thanks to those who have donated to NCL, and our wonderful NCL Foundation Board who work to raise funds for our programs. I know many of you have reviewed our budget and been amazed at how much is accomplished with such little money.

Thank you NCL and Library District Taxpayers and all members for the opportunity to serve your community by working at the library. It has been an honor and an opportunity for much growth. I will always cherish my memories.

NCL works because the volunteers, staff, and entire community are committed to supporting all forms of literacy. Our library is a discovery center and a community hub. There is something for everyone at the Nederland Community Library.