I’m returning to an old friend in many ways.
On Monday, May 16, I’ll jump into my Chevy Cruze in the driveway of the Little Bitty in the Syracuse city neighborhood of Eastwood at about 8 o’clock and head north just a handful of miles.
Destination: The Liverpool Public Library.
She’s a beautiful sight, the lovely brick building sitting in the heart of the village of Liverpool. Onondaga Lake sits a mile from these walls. Some days I’m sure I’ll visit Onondaga Lake Park for a walk either before or after work.
Hover over any gallery photo for a description. Click on any image for an enlarged slide show.
My job title will be public information assistant. I’ll be back in the field of communications.
Talks with Director Glenna Wisniewski and Community Relations Director Diane Towlson have me excited about my duties. I’ll be managing social media, working on the web site, taking photographs, shooting videos, meeting with members of the community, attending library events. I’ll be talking with interesting folks and spreading the word about happenings intriguing, significant and fun.
I’ll be writing stories and editing copy and correspondence.
I’ll work within the walls of the library and out in the community.
Glenna and Diane had me visit the Carman Community Room for a Board of Trustees meeting this week, to say hello, introduce myself and listen to these hard-working community leaders discuss the issues of the month. The budget vote is the day after I start, for instance, and all was laid out carefully. An impressive candidate up for a trustee seat also introduced herself. A nearby craft festival is the weekend after. The annual book sale is moving along.
I’m looking forward to turning the page and diving right in.
A lifetime lover of libraries, heading to work at one of the best ones in Central New York. Imagine that.
How do you remember feeling about the first day of a new job? How do you prepare for new starts in your life? What would you wear on the first day of the job?
Dear long-lost friend (mia culpa), I am SO VERY happy for you and this new opportunity!! The job description sounds perfect for you. Pictures, social media, events??? That’s you! How is it going since you started?
I have been with intermittent wifi for several months now and only go online using my friendly iPhone to do quick updates on Facebook. To say that I am behind on my blog reading is, well…a HUGE understatement. I will be checking out your various posts now to catch up. 🙂
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My dear Mrs. B, my job is fantastic. And no worries about your reading schedule. You come by when you can. What’s up with that WiFi? Get Mr. B on that, pronto. 😉
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Slightly belated but heartfelt congratulations on your new job!
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Thanks, Kimi. Not belated at all. I just got home from my first day at the library. It was very satisfying, my friend.
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Awesome, Mark. You’ll do super.
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Thanks, Mike. It’s an exciting challenge.
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From on library worker to another: Congrats and welcome. (Although your new job sounds more exciting than mine.)
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I didn’t realize you are a denizen of the book shelves, Scott. Cool beans, comrade!
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Excellent! For a lover of words to find a world of kindred spirits is pretty awesome. Congratulations!
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Thanks so much! You are so right about finding a kindred spot, Fasci. 🙂
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What great news! Best of everything, Mark.
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Thanks, Pinky. I’m really excited to start, my friend.
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Back in your wheelhouse, my friend. My mom worked in a library all during my childhood, so I spent umpteen hours during summers and breaks, scouring the books and filling my head with images. Too bad kids don’t do that these days.
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Thanks so much, Kerbey. I went so many times a week to the library growing up, too. They had air-conditioning as well as the world on the shelves. 🙂 And, hey, now I’ll try to get kids spending umpteen hours at the LPL.
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Looks like an incredible place to work! I’m impressed, Mr. Mark!
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Just think of the Funny Names I’ll come across at the Liverpool Public Library, Dave! Thanks, my friend. 🙂
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Congratulations, Beelz! I know you’ll do great things.
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Thanks, John. It will be a great opportunity. Miss you, my friend.
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What a great opportunity! I’m soooo happy for you. It looks like this job plays to your strengths!
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Thanks, Kit. This is right up my wheelhouse, for sure. Thanks, my friend. I hope you are well down Florida way! Coming up for more training? 🙂
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I’ll definitely give you a shout if/when I do.
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Woohoo!
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You betcha, Martha. Come up from Florida and check out a book on me. 😮
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The paint store just couldn’t hold your talent. Couldn’t.
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Even the days you felt flat you had to engage the customers as if they were wrapped in satin and make sure they left the store feeling they shined like semi-gloss. Just sayin’, Doc.
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Congratulations Mark, sounds like a great job! Plus you probably won’t spill paint on your shoes! Way to go!
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Thanks, Phil. Hey, clean shoes, busy agenda. I hope you are well, my friend. We’re overdo for a get-together to talk about the Boss and life.
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Perfect! I love that library and all they do. Oh, and remember you have a friend here on the radio (actually, I’m sure you have quite a few friends in radio)!
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I shall be in contact, I’m sure, my friend. You know I can talk. 🙂
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I spent many, many hours in that library with my children, Mark. It’s a special place, and I know you’ll be a huge asset. Congrats on this good news, brother.
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Thanks so much, David. You and your children grew up together in a great village. I’ll be proud to work there. I hope you are well in Colorado, old friend. I thought of you often this past month as we lost Pearl. 😦
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Fantastic! That sounds like a very exciting new chapter. Absolutely thrilled for you Mark. Well done!
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Thank you, Rachel. I promise to work hard. ❤
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Sounds like a great fit for you.
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Thanks, Jay. I am going to make some serious good vibes here. ❤
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Congratulations! I imagine your shoes will be clean! 🙂
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Clean of shoes and spirit, Joey. ❤
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Sounds like the perfect job for you, Mark. Congratulations! I have friends in Liverpool. Maybe this fall, I can drive over and visit all of you.
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Yes, CM, that would be excellent. Now I will have a much easier schedule to navigate for socialization. 🙂
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Congrats on the new gig! 👍👍👍
Sounds to me like you’ll be right in your comfort zone. Excellent!
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Billy, we hung out in the library when we were kids, Northside Elementary. Look how much good that did for us! Thanks for your kind words, old friend.
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Mark, I am so happy & excited for you!!!!!! I am just smiling ear-to-ear!! I have always loved libraries, and to be able to spend time there working in the field you love is such a blessing! Congratulations, my friend!! Can’t wait to hear all about it as you get settled in 🙂
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Sadie, thank you so much for your kind words. This is proof that we can find something we love, right, my friend?! ❤
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Yep – I’m still trying!!! Not giving up 😊
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It’s going to happen for you, my dear friend. Now you can look to Syracuse for hope. ❤
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How cool is this?! Sounds like something right up your alley.
I usually wear clothes to my first day on a new job. (hee-hee). I would wear something comfy.
I love the smell of libraries. Too bad they don’t still have card catalogues, those things used to fascinate me with the really long drawers.
This is all very exciting!!!!!!!
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I will we are clothes, yes, SD. Although open-minded, I am a clothes-minded person. 😉 Yes, card catalogs will always hold a soft spot in my mind and heart.
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So are you done with the paint store? Your last post seemed kind of like a good bye but I wasn’t sure. In any case, good luck. I think this one suits you.
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I was still mixing paint today, Marissa. 🙂 The new job will suit me very well, thank you, my friend.
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Oh Mark, I am so happy for you and excited for your first day! It sounds so well suited to your gifts and talents. I think a celebration is in order. How do you think you might do so with family and friends? ❤
Diana xo
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I have yet to plan the celebration, Diana. This coming Saturday is daughter Elisabeth’s graduation from Onondaga Community College for her hard-earned physical therapist assistantant’s degree, so first things first. Karen and I already had a steak dinner out the night I accepted the job, so that was awesome. Maybe some more fun later! Thank you, my friend. This job is a great fit for me. ❤
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So cool! Congratulations on your new adventure! I only wish you were coming to Northern Onondaga Public Library, where I work (full time clerical). Liverpool is lucky to have you! I have a few friends who work at Liverpool library and they’re great. Glad to hear you love the library, so I know you will do great in promoting this very valuable community center for learning, information, fellowship, and fun!
To answer your questions: My feeling when I started at the library (11 yrs. ago) was RELIEF, because I just lost my Dad and I needed something to distract myself and counteract the grief. New starts are exciting! I try to visualize the best possible outcome and then endeavor to make it happen. I think you should wear something comfortable, but with an element included that represents your personality. Don’t wear your paint splattered boot!
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So close we are, Annie! Someday we shall meet as library comrades. I feel it. I will not be wearing paint-splattered anything, promise. 🙂
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Congratulations! My true hometown library … I hold dear memories of the library, from visiting the children’s room in the old building from the age of 5 to current times … should be a great venue for you!
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Your hometown library rocks right now. It buzzes with vibrancy. I am so looking forward to feeding off and adding to the buzz!
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Wonderful! Congratulations, Mark!
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Thanks, my friend from Queens. You know the big picture, Cate. ❤
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Congratulations Mark! You will surely help the library publicize all the fantastic work they do.
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Thanks, Joan. It will be so rewarding to share the word on good news like this. 🙂
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Jim & I could not be happier for you! Nice guys DO finish first!
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Thanks, Judy. I appreciate this comment from my nice west side friends. 🙂
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Congratulations, Mark! I’m so happy for you!
But I must say, that I have been impressed by your upbeat attitude towards the curveballs life has thrown your way. You’ve taught us all by example.
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Elyse. I make the most of every day. Now I have to hit this fastball thrown to me down the middle. 🙂
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YAY, HURRAH, YIPPEE! bro Mark is back at a job he will LOVE! This is the best news I’ve read on this site in such — actually since I first began following you my friend. An early Father’s Day gift for you actually, and I’m so excited for my little brother I’m about to bust wide open with pride, joy and all good things. I’m totally psyched for you. 🙂
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YAY, HURRAH, YIPPEE! bro Mark is back at a job he will LOVE! This is the best news I’ve read on this site in such — actually since I first began following you my friend. An early Father’s Day gift for you actually, and I’m so excited for my little brother I’m about to bust wide open with pride, joy and all good things. I’m totally psyched for you. :-)!
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Thank you, sis Angie, and Happy Mother’s Day to you, dear.
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It was really nice bro Mark. Two out of three came to visit, and that made it next to perfect.
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Many congrats Mark!! So glad for you.
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Thank you, Donna. This will give me more time to hang with my dear wife Karen (and see you and Sam play out). ❤
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Congratulations Mark! This is perfect for you! So glad you found something you will love! ❤️
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Thank you, Colleen. Soon I’ll check to see if your novel will be on our shelves. ❤
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The sweetest thing is, my granddaughter Arianna, said the same thing! One can only hope! Best wishes, Mark! 💖
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I’ll check the Liverpool Public Library personally once you’re published, Colleen. 🙂
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Mark, you are awesome! 💖
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Congratulations MBM!!!
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Thank you so much, MBC. This is going to be awesome. ❤
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Congratulations, Mark on your new responsibilities with Liverpool Library! As a 30 year resident of Liverpool and a frequent visitor to the Library, I consider this great news for all of us here in Liverpool! What a great development in the Library’s history … and yours!
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Thanks so much, Mark. I am so fortunate to be representing the Liverpool community with the library. It takes a village hub, and the library works hard to be that in many ways. I’ll do my best to represent those values. See you there, good sir!
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Congratulations, Mark! And, congratulations to us — your readers — because I’m pretty sure there are some wonderful blog-stories from the library coming our way. 🙂
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I am so looking forward to living the interesting stories to share, TBB. Thank you so much, my Charlottesville friend.
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No more paint!! Congrats, I’m so happy for you! Sometimes we need the drought to welcome the rain ❤️
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Thank you so much, Vonita. The paint will stay in the can, knock on wood. The words will spill out of the books. ❤
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How wonderful to be back in your element, Mark.☺☺☺Your persistence is rewarding you with what sounds like the perfect position. (and there won’t be any paint on those shoes !) Many congrats to you. Look forward to sharing some of your adventures. ❤️
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I am looking forward to wearing the shoes I bought in the Waterloo trip with my dear wife Karen with my bowling prize money to the new job, Van. Yup. And sharing work tales here wisely without a blanket corporate no-no-no beforehand. 😉
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Bravo-Terp just knew something good was around the corner for you-as you may recall?! Time well spent at the store but a brighter picture now for you to utilize your skills. I also love a library and frankly I could just spend hours in one, always have loved them as my children had come to enjoy too. On rainy days during the summer we head to one together. Best of Luck on this new position I know you’ll enjoy it immensely Mark- Bravo my friend. Gatorette
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Yes, Cheryl, I remember your optimism for me to find a match such as this. Thank you, my friend, for seeing the good in life. Taking your children to the library to pass along the love of reading is proof of your gusto. ❤
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I am so glad for you Mark- its great news-I just do not like to see talent like yours not utilized!!! Happy Mom’s Day to Karen. Gatorette
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Karen wishes the same to you, Gatorette. ❤
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Thank you! Had a great day hope you all did too Terp! Gatorette.
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I worked at the store, but had a nice dinner with Karen upon my return home. Now I’m trying to answer all my wonderful comments, Cheryl. Thank you.
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i am so excited for you, this seems like the perfect match. i’m a huge fan of libraries and a huge fan of you and your skills, so i think this is destined to be a winning combination. isn’t if funny, the paths that life takes?
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Patience pays off, sometimes, Beth. It’s hard to remember that on the journey, though. 🙂 Thank you, my friend.
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Awesome Mark! Congratulations! You so deserve it. What wonderful news.
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Thanks, Paul. I’m very happy about moving to this community environment. 🙂
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