Happy Retirement, Robin!
Robin is retiring after thirty-five years of service to the Concord community with a long history of commitment to assisting patrons and to fulfilling the Library’s mission to “inspire lifelong learning and to actively promote personal enrichment by connecting community members to information, ideas, culture, unique historical resources, and each other in a tradition of innovation and excellence”.
Robin volunteered at libraries throughout her school years, and when a position at the Circulation Desk opened up in 1985, she applied immediately. Her first day at the CFPL was September 11, 1985, and she has worked at the Library ever since - eventually receiving a promotion to Circulation Supervisor.
“Dedicated to improving service delivery, Robin has been a key contributor to many successful initiatives at the library including the implementation of a Food for Fines amnesty program and launch of a non-traditional Library of Things collection, “ stated Library Director Kerry Cronin. “Robin works collaboratively with colleagues and encourages their success, qualities for which she was recognized for as a past recipient of the Massachusetts Library Association’s Paralibrarian Advocate of the Year Award.”
Robin’s achievements during her tenure at the CFPL include not only delivering outstanding service and managing resources but also overseeing projects such as the transition from paper library cards to plastic cards, the adoption of many online databases, and the transition to RFID technology. Robin is valued for her adaptability, and in the words of fellow Circulation staff member Rachel D’Amore-Bonish, “Robin ALWAYS knows the answers.”
Robin has served the Town of Concord and the CFPL in a variety of other roles, including participating in several committees to advise on building renovations and representing the Library in restorative justice procedures.
When asked what she will miss most from her many years of service at the CFPL, Robin says, “the most memorable times happen each day when you can laugh with your colleagues and see them succeed. I’ll miss the sense of community, of belonging to an amazing organization where I’ve had the privilege of working side-by-side with incredible, fun, and dedicated people. I’ll miss the wonderful patrons who make each day so special.”