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It’s been two years now since I came on board as Library Director here in Manitou Springs. What a great place to live and work. The community has welcomed me with open arms and for that I am truly grateful. I’ve met many folks of all ages whom I now call friends, and it’s a great feeling to be a part of a place that truly is a home-town community with all the amenities that come with it. As I reflect upon my first two years, there are some library-related people which stand out in my mind and with which I want to share with you.

First, my staff at the library is absolutely astounding. These are professional ladies who give of themselves 150% each day they come to work. They are patient with those who are not always as reciprocal in attitude and behavior; staff contribute and suggest ways to help make the library a better place; they are open to hearing and trying out new ideas, policies, and procedures; and, they are committed to making the library the best in the area. Each staff member brings a quality all her own to the front desk, and for the most part, I believe patrons respond to staff in a positive and appropriate way. These ladies are exemplary examples of employees of the City of Manitou Springs.

Second, there were two gentlemen near and dear to both the library staff and patrons for many, many years... Howard Fasold and Tim Jaynes. Both men passed away within days of each other this past spring, and those of us here at the library miss them very much. Howard had been a library volunteer for almost 30 years, giving of himself unselfishly. He could do anything and everything, from repairing a front door to keeping our antique clock in perfect condition and running. Tim was a regular patron, always at the front door when we opened and who enjoyed completing daily newspaper puzzles. He could put a smile on anyone’s face with his weather or astrological predictions and tales of scouring Manitou Springs in the dead of night; he was an expert at ‘dumpster-diving’ before the term was invented and was the ultimate recycler.

Fourth, my Library Board of Trustees has been very supportive of my suggested policy changes, of library staff raises, and of the Annual Labor Day Book Sale. It’s nice to see that volunteerism is not dead in Manitou Springs. Tracy Brogan, Board President, is the “Garden Angel” who does an outstanding job of taking care of our circular flower bed in front of the library. During the summer months with straw hat atop her head, she works tirelessly planting, pruning, watering, and weeding in the hot sun, just to make our garden a beautiful oasis of color.

Third, all the ladies in the Friends of the Library have been a true inspiration to me. They are such a dedicated and hard-working lot whose sole purpose is to see our old Carnegie library building restored, preserved, and expanded. Their fundraising efforts, the Library Lawn Sale, Bratz ‘n Fine Art, and Author Fest of the Rockies, require year-round planning, long hours of hard work, and a belief in what they are attempting to accomplish. Theirs is a true commitment to the Manitou Springs community by envisioning what the library can and should be, and carrying out the necessary steps to see that vision come to fruition. Their dedication is awesome, and if you want to be part of a winning, progressive organization, this is the one to join. 

Well, I've shared enough for now.  As I move into the future of working at this library, I can only hope it's been as positive an experience as the first two years have been.  I thank all these folks and all the community people for a truly 'warm welcome'.

Margaret Morris, Director