One of the many things that both impressed and inspired me to become a librarian is the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association.  Number one on the list is the building block on which we stand: We provide the highest level of service to all users through appropriate and usefully organized resources; equitable service policies; equitable access; and accurate, unbiased, and courteous responses to all requests.   Working in a library is one of the best jobs in the world.  It is a place to meet and offer library services to fellow members of the community.  This has given me a unique insight into the needs of patrons in other parts of our diverse and interesting city.

Many patrons desire the same services no matter what location they are visiting.  They want to be treated with respect, given correct information to questions they ask by competent staff, entertaining and educational programs for their children, collections that reflect the needs of their community and last but not least, Internet access.  The latter has become increasingly important as computer literacy is a must in this technologically advanced age. 

Twenty-two years later, I am happy to be a librarian working and serving the Mount Pleasant community.  I am surrounded by an excellent staff who love libraries as much as I do.  Our patrons are generous, appreciative and supportive of the atmosphere and tone we strive to create.  I call upon all patrons to continue to support their local library in whatever way they can.  We need each other to survive these tumultuous times of cutbacks to libraries.  Neighborhood libraries are too important to lose - now or ever.