ARLINGTON After seven years at the Arlington Library, Managing Librarian Leslie Moore is moving to the Stanwood Library, but she assured her patrons and neighbors in this city that she wont be a stranger to the community shes called home for nearly half of her years as a librarian.
Ill still be around, one Sunday a month, at the Arlington Library, said Moore, who accepted the position of managing librarian at the Stanwood Library. Ive made lifelong friends here, so they havent seen the last of me.
Moore began working as a librarian 15 years ago at the Seattle Public Library, before moving on to other libraries in the King and Skagit counties. Her preference for small libraries in rural areas, as well as her desire to be nearer her own family, led her to accept the childrens librarian position at the Arlington Library seven years ago.
Wed just gotten the Internet when I began working here, said Moore, who was promoted to managing librarian five years ago. Weve seen huge increases in cardholders and customers since then.
Moore praised the city for collaborating in facility improvements such as the librarys roof replacement, while also touting the new and expanded services during her tenure at the library, including downloadable databases and live homework help online, through which students can log onto chat rooms where tutors answer their questions in real time.
We now have a teen area and laptops, Moore said. Weve also hosted wonderful series on progressive art, gardening and story times for toddlers and preschoolers, which keeps everyone hopping.
Moore commended the Arlington Rotary, Arts Council, Garden Club, City Council and Mayor, as well as the Trustees and Friends of the Arlington Library, for affording the library such opportunities.
I know this library will be valued and well-used by the community, Moore said. We also have a great staff, whos deeply devoted to customer service. Theyre much more newsworthy than me.
As Moore heads off to Stanwood, she thanked the friends shes made, and the groups shes joined, for making my world a bit bigger.