My Living Library 18


As I come to the end of my career here at Dover Public Library, I would like to share with you some of the books in my library. These books have no pages or covers, yet each one is very dear to me.

  • Crimson & Gray – hundreds of stories from many, many sources who love to tell the stories and successes of this community, especially to someone who lives in the “red and black” community across the river.
  • Survivors – the many people who have shared their triumphs over the challenges in their lives, whether it is sickness, grief or just getting through the day.
  • Name-Droppers – the famous and awe-inspiring people that I have come to discover such as a New York Times bestselling author, or the gentleman who lived all over the world working for the NSA or the son-in-law of a friend who held a very high position in the White House.
  • Book Clubs – the hundreds of books that have been read, recommended and discussed. I have discovered so many treasures with these people.
  • Hunters – the many opportunities to discover a book to share with someone who is looking for a new adventure.
  • Challenges – the many occasions that questions, situations or even some people have pushed me to do better, look harder and be kinder.
  • Helpers – the many people that have shared this wonderful adventure as a library worker.
  • Hugs – that one person who offers that heart-warming gesture not realizing that on certain days it is the thing that you so desperately needed.
  • Grateful – the story of a man who feels his life is blessed every day and is one of the kindest and wisest people I have known. I want to be more like him.

My library is you, the patrons I have come to know and care for over the last twenty-two years. You are all my “Living Library.” You have enriched my life beyond measure and I am blessed to know each and every one of you.

And finally a book that I wish everyone would read – The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charles Mackey.

-Paula Fawcett


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18 thoughts on “My Living Library

  • Patti Feller

    Dear Paula,
    You represent everything wonderful and special about our fabulous Dover Library. I can’t tell you how much you will be missed. I will always remember the many times I was looking for a ”I don’t remember the title or the author, but I think it had some blue on the cover “book, and you would find it!
    Thank you for everything, have a wonderful retirement!
    Hugs, Patti Feller

  • ella marshall

    Oh, Paula, what a beautiful gift you are leaving to all of us who love you. Such a wonderful, kind tribute. May you find much joy and happiness in retirement; do things that have been put on hold by the ‘restrictions’ of work; and go find those NY barns!!!! You will be so missed. What a blessing you have been in my life. Thanks for everything.

  • Nancy Cox

    Wonderfully written, Paula. You’re retiring? I will certainly miss seeing you! Thank you for the help you’ve given me over the years!

  • Sheila Ann Benedum

    Thank you so much for being such an integral part of the Dover Public Library. While I live in a neighboring city, I chose DPL as my library because of the great programming, wonderful facilities, and most of all, amazing people like you! You have helped contribute to a terrific asset to the community!

    Wishing you a fun and relaxing retirement…with time to enjoy your family and explore new horizons.

  • Sarah Bradford

    You were always the light of the Library to my family and me! Seeing your smiling face when we came through the door and a kind hello or few words were always a highlight to our trip! Best wishes Paula! Thank you for all of your hard work, gentleness and time. You will be missed!

  • ella marshall

    Oh, Paula, what a beautiful message you are leaving all of us with. Your words are so meaningful and I know from the heart. You will be missed so very much. Wishing you a wonderful, joy-filled retirement which allows you to do the things you’ve had to put on hold because of ‘restrictions’ of working pursue new interests; and go find those NY barns you have posted!!! You can make a grand circle for sure.
    You have touched my life in so many ways. Thank you for your many kindnesses and words of encouragement. Take care, my friend, and just enjoy every minute of the new chapter of your life.

  • Carrie Jackson

    Congrats Paula on your retirement! I wish you much joy, fun and laughter in your next phase!

  • Erica Mears

    Congratulations on your retirement Paula! I hope it involves much reading and hanging out with your family – both I know that you love! Dover Library will miss your smiling and willing to help face!

  • Julianne Duncan

    You will surely be missed. When I come I look forward to your smile and your friendship. Also being my personal helper finding books for mom.
    Will be sad not seeing you at the front desk but I guess all good things have an end. Best wishes on your retirement and new, fun things to come.
    Love you and will surely miss you.

  • Linda Marlatt

    Awww…I feel like I’ve just begun getting to know you and now you’re leaving. As a retiree myself, I wish you well. Retirement is great!!! Lots of time for family, reading, knitting, whatever you choose. ENJOY!!!
    Linda

  • Alice Rini

    Congratulations, Paula. You have accomplished so much during your librarian career. You are so deserving of the accolades and love given to you by the people whose lives you touched daily. Enjoy your retirement to the fullest.

  • Judy Frutig

    Hello Dear Paula…I have always enjoyed seeing you at the library, always greeting everyone with a smile. I enjoyed talking with you especially after my Kidney/Liver transplants, When you shared that your Husband had been a Transplant Donor. I’m glad I got to see you yet, when I came in for the Book Sale a few weeks ago. I will miss visiting with you and your Beautiful smile. Enjoy your retirement, no more alarm clocks, just free hours for you. I will miss You….

  • Patti Feller

    Oh, Paula, we all miss you so much! Dover is so lucky to have such a wonderful library and fabulous staff. But you were a part of it for so many years, and I confess to still walking in sometimes and looking for you. On the other hand, I certainly hope you are enjoying your well earned retirement. Now, if you could just tell me where to find that book. You know, the one with the green cover. 😊