Turning a Page…

Last month we began discussions about changes and transitions in seasons and in the library. As I write this today, I have experienced weather changes from 16o F to 37o F; heavy clouds and snow obscuring the mountains on the east to sunshine on the west side of our house, and snow-packed icy roads to clear dry roads. With anticipation, we turn another page at our library and are happy to introduce and welcome our new library director, Mary Sue Houser and administrator, Furman Kelley. We also continue to enjoy the gifts Tim Blevins has brought to PCL this past year and are grateful that he will continue to contribute to our story. As we turn this page, however, we also see the bittersweet end of a long haul from Susan Fullas, a longtime volunteer with PCL, as she leaves New Mexico to begin her own new chapter.

Our New Library Director

New Placitas Community Library Director, Mary Sue Houser

We are very fortunate to welcome the new Director of Placitas Community Library, Mary Sue Houser. Mary Sue has many years of broad experience as a librarian, library director, and non-profit director. She has been a manager and assistant director in both large library systems and a small community library and has directed and managed two non-profit schools. Prior to her recent position as Assistant Director of Collections and Community Engagement at the Public Library Albuquerque and Bernalillo County (ABC), she served as Adult Services/Reference Librarian at Santa Fe Public Library, and Area Manager at the Public Library ABC.

In addition to her work in both adult and children’s services, she is formally trained in mentorship, facilitation, consensus building, and cognitive coaching, which has informed her supervision of many employees and volunteers. Mary Sue is scheduled to work 25 hours a week and is working with Tim and me as she orients to the library and her responsibilities.

Although Tim has trained Mary Sue on the various duties, deadlines, etc., of the position, hiring an administrator was one of her most important tasks early on, which she undertook immediately. She has wasted no time in getting to work advancing PCL. Her wealth of enthusiasm, experience, and knowledge compelled the PCL Board of Directors to unanimously vote to hire her and we know she will be a great asset as we look forward to continued growth with her as director. Her email contact is librarydirector@placitaslibrary.com.

Our New Administrator

Furman Kelley

Welcome to Furman Kelley, the new administrator and the first to hold this position at PCL. Furman has a wide range of experience in the global energy services sector both nationally and internationally. He has built and maintained business relationships, negotiated commercial contract terms and conditions, and managed proposals. Furman brings many skills that are exactly what we need, including more than five years working with non-profit organizations, community organizations, athletic activities, and supporting youth as a volunteer.

He brings exceptionally strong skills in all aspects of Microsoft Office tools, and has worked with large volunteer teams. Additional strengths include customer service, building trust, and solving customer problems. Of course, at PCL our “customers” include community members, patrons, donors, and volunteers. Recently retired, Furman started with PCL volunteering his services focusing on our databases.

Mary Sue and Furman both live in Placitas and we look forward to further orienting them to the magical culture that is our Placitas Community Library. Please join me and all of PCL in welcoming Mary Sue and Furman the next time you stop by the library. We know that their contributions will inspire the continued advancement of PCL’s growth. (Photos of Mary Sue and Furman, masked)

We are also delighted that Tim Blevins will stay with PCL as a volunteer on a part-time basis, helping with staff transitions and technology issues, as well as working with Adult Programs, beginning with the Placitas Reads project. Stay tuned for more about the Placitas Reads project this spring and summer!

Thank you, Susan!

Susan Fullas was a longtime volunteer with PCL. One of the most important things we must note about Susan is that not only is she one of the most organized persons I know, she has always been willing to do anything that was needed to help PCL be successful, including shelving, serving on the Help Desk, contributing as a board member, and as treasurer. Susan, along with Pam Buethe, was a major organizer of “Books on the Bosque,” a major tradition and fundraiser which they organized every 18 months over six years. Although we are sad for our loss, we are excited for Susan and her husband George’s new adventures. 

Construction Update

After a two-month hiatus, construction is proceeding. We had hoped to show photos of our Landscaping Committee moving the 1500 gallon cistern, but Mark Hatzenbuhler of Sandoval County Public Works Department and his team moved the tank for us! A big thank you to Mark! Now, water from the addition will collect and be ready for use in irrigation. We anticipate completion in the spring. Excitement abounds. Stay tuned!

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