The Journey Continues: Susan Smith
My journey this week took me to Susan Smith, my fellow-columnist’s writing the Answers to Go for the Sunday San Marcos Daily Record, who is retiring as of today. Susan is a Librarian and Manager of Community Services.
Arriving in San Marcos in 1985 from Los Angeles, Susan started working parttime at the old Library on Hutchison Street. Since then, her 35 years of service contributed greatly to the current physical expansion of the Library. Reviewing her career path for this column, Susan truly exemplifies “The place where God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger coincide.”
Her gladness? The Library. She cares that children and adults who love reading. She enjoys helping anyone find the right book. And she takes pride that “Library means treating all people with respect to include all our diverse population: homeless, students, people seeking answers; retirees and families who sometime bring along children who are not quiet — everyone is welcomed at the library.”
Ms. Diane Insley, library director, wrote the following: “Susan Smith has been bringing the joy of reading to the children of San Marcos for 35 years. Singing songs, chanting nursery rhymes, and reading books aloud to children every week, sometimes more than once per week. By library estimates, she has read over 10,000 books to the preschoolers of San Marcos. She is also one of the driving forces behind the Summer Reading Program. (Because of Susan) many children experienced big rigs, fire trucks, castles, spaceships, live animals, magic, concerts, and a variety of craft times.
“While bringing a love of books was her passion, Susan had other duties as our Community Service Manager. Often, she is out of the building signing people up for library cards and making them aware of the services the library provides. She is at Open houses at the public schools, at Kiwanis, Lions or Rotary Clubs, at local festivals or other events. Susan travels the County to bring folks to the library. During her tenure she has written over 800 weekly columns Answers To Go for the San Marcos Daily Record.
“When people first meet Susan, they hear a quiet voice that puts them at ease to ask any question; and she always finds the right answer. The staff at the library know that outside of her job, Susan is a highly active outdoors-woman who enjoys hiking, sailing, paddle-boarding, and biking.”
Susan Smith’s last day at San Marcos Public Library is Aug. 28. After retirement she plans to see more of her three adult children and her grandchildren. Not surprising, she plans to read a lot. Her church home is First Lutheran Church on West Holland Street. For all Susan Smith’s many young fans, I use the new International readers version, Adventure Bible for Early Readers to quote her favorite verse: Jeremiah 29:11 says: “I know the plans I have for you,” announces the Lord. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come.”
Thank you, Susan, for loving the children.
