Here is a footnote to Mary Ann's message. Anne went out in glory with lots
of laughter and good will. The party, with over 200 guests plus staff, was
held at the beautiful new Layfayette Library recently completed (Jan and I
had a tour last summer)and now Anne's home library. Several speakers
remarked that Anne understood that each of the 25 communities under her
watch were different and worked to design library services to meet their
unique needs. As the newspaper editorial stated so well, reiterated by the
speakers, Anne was able to achieve trust with whomever she dealt with, at
all levels. Bravo Anne! To think that she had her start in our Pasadena
Public Library and helped all of us to make it a place of excellence.

And now more congratulations are in order. Janet Hildebrand will be
retiring from Contra Costa Library this Friday. And our indefatigable Anne
will be making the farewell party at her home. So Janet, congratulations
to you! Both you and Anne are ready to embark on this exciting new phase
of your life -- enjoy! Books and adventure await you.

Submitted by Elaine
ezorbas@wildblue.net