On Friday, I celebrated my third anniversary as the director of the Thomas J. Harrison Pryor Public Library. When I applied for the position, I told my husband, “It’ll be good practice.” Having worked at my previous library for over ten years, I knew I needed practice at professional interviewing before I started submitting my resume to larger libraries in Kansas City and St. Louis. I never expected to fall in love with Pryor or its library.
When I came for my interview three years ago, I was impressed with the library’s personable staff; I was pleased to see a budding comic book collection that held one of my favorite series; I was encouraged the Pryor Library was already on a path I believe libraries should follow.
During the interview, the Library Board was welcoming and kind. Their passion for the library and their dedication to its success was evident from the first question to the last. It was literally the most fun I’ve ever had in an interview.
After the interview, I called my husband to tell him all about it. He asked, “Are we moving to Pryor?” I surprised both of us when I replied, “Maybe.”
When I got the job offer, Phil and I gave it serious thought. We made pro/con lists. We researched schools. We looked at daycares. There were truly very few reasons not to take the position. I’m so glad I did.
In three years, I have yet to regret that decision. Even when I was commuting back and forth from Joplin, I wanted to come to work every day. I wanted to be part of this library and part of this community. It seems that the feeling was mutual – we have been welcomed with open arms.
At my first Christmas Parade as I watched the Library Board help wrangle my children I thought, “We have found our village.” Thank you, Pryor, for making this an amazing three years.