October 3rd NYC Bus Trip

Our October 3, 2018, Manhattan trip was memorable in many ways: seeing the incessant new construction of mega-buildings with no apparent hold on the architect's imaginations or owner’s pocketbooks; which has spawned a city spanning the 16th through the 21st centuries, into an even more fantastic montage of social-structural history. A favorite lunch stop is at four World Trade Center,  101 Liberty Street on the third floor at Eataly downtown, a great place to look out over the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, reflect, understand, and celebrate the courageous and resourceful with fabulous cuisine.

Farewell to all my friends and colleagues here in Farmington

              September 24, 2018

Dear Friends, 

It has become evident to me that I should prepare and chart a new course away from this beautiful place I have called home for the last 12 years; not an easy decision. However, I believe it is the best time for me to step down and let a new leader provide the energy, strength and, vision required to continue navigating this enterprise to the next level and beyond. 

It is more than an honor to be Farmington's Library Chief, and, in my career, I can think of no other assignment that has offered better opportunities to develop new, and, exciting initiatives to engage and prepare for the ever-changing future than Farmington has afforded me. I have had fantastic experiences with my Team and Town Hall, colleagues who have all been terrific, and, especially my Library Boards, FVGLA leadership and Town Councils each of whom have provided the great support I needed throughout these past 12 years to sustain my ever increasing commitment to Farmington’s success. 

I have had nothing but fun here at the helm, meeting so many beautiful people who have collectively created a community within one for me to enjoy and grow to 19,000 strong.  It has been a fabulous trip, and more fun than anyone will ever know. 

Finally, I am looking at January 4, 2019, as my termination date at which time I will hang out my full-time consultancy shingle and tread a new path in helping libraries discover their potential. 

Thank you for all your support and confidence through this last 144 months, I shall not forget.

 Sincerely,

Jay

Farmington Libraries Computer Code Club Begins Premier Season

Inaugural Code Club meeting was a tremendous success

I am very excited to report our inaugural Code Club meeting was a tremendous success. Anna Eisen and Anna Boisvert have enchanted our Tween learners into the notion that they can have fun learning to write computer code. This program is an all hands on deck initiative and the roll-out has been superb. Let's look forward to the next generation of computer programmers learning their skills from the Farmington Libraries. These are collaborative classes designed to teach young learners the logic and skills required to become a computer programmer through fun and peer collaboration. Be there or be square..... Jay

BOOK DROP, The Book is alive and well, long live the Book!

Thanks to Daisy Troop 66309.

Out Children's  Librarian, Anna Eisen,  alerted me to these two members of Daisy Troop 66309 who used their extra cookie sale money to buy books for the library, focusing on titles that align with the Daisy petals — such as “make the world a better place,” “be considerate and caring,” and “use resources wisely.” A set of mottos we all swhould live by!

These Daisies and their families frequently attend library programs and love using the library space. Just a LOVELY way to start my day.

Thanks. J

 for learning and fun.

2018 Farmington Libraries Year-end Board meeting

Year-end Board meeting brings the finish to a great year and the anticipation of a greater future.  Special thanks went to departing secretary Maureen Bitner, and Chairperson Alan Sherman's final meeting as  Chair.  This was a fun and productive year for me and I wish to thank all team and board member who gave the support and energy required to drive this big ship.  Best Jay

Remembering Karen Zigler with her legacy flowers

Remembering Karen Zigler as a gardener, planter of seeds, consoler, friend and good person barely scratched the surface of who she was; but beyond all things, Karen was a giver. Thank you, Karen, and thank you, Ray, for continuing on your wife's tradition of beautifying the Library with the fruits of her toil.   Remembering Karen Zigler as a gardener, planter of seeds, consoler, friend and good person barely scratched the surface of who she was; but beyond all things, Karen was a giver. Thank you, Karen, and thank you, Ray, for continuing on your wife's tradition of beautifying the Library with the fruits of her toil.