You are invited to help us celebrate Ms. Robin and send her off into retirement with all our best wishes. Join us at the Main Library on Sunday, August 18, from 2 - 4 p.m. This is a drop-in event, but remarks will be made at 2:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Ms. Robin has been with the library for more than 17 years. Before she leaves us, we decided to ask her a few questions. Read on to find out what Ms. Robin's favorite books are, her thoughts on the library, and more.

Q. & A. with Ms. Robin

You were a media specialist in a public school before coming to work at the library in 2007. Do you remember what motivated you to make the switch?

I was in my dream job as a Library-Media Specialist at Alma Primary School, when Louise Turner, the previous FSPL Youth Services Librarian, encouraged me to apply for her position upon her retirement.  I had taken my sons to Louise’s storytime every Thursday when they were young, so I knew her well.  She is the reason I became a librarian. My sons were in college at that point, and, with Louise’s encouragement, I decided I was ready for a new challenge.

Describe the Fort Smith Public Library in three words.

Welcoming

Ever-changing

Fun

How has the library changed in the 17 years you’ve worked here?

Digital content! When I started, the print reference section was large, and we still had book/cassette tapes kits. Now we have wonderful databases to provide up-to-date content for our young researchers. We also have many streaming options. The Main Library added Dewey’s Café, and the FSPL Endowment began funding all the youth materials.

What has been your favorite part about working at the library?

Storytime! I was very nervous before my first storytime at the library. I knew how to read to and teach K-2 students, but this was a whole new ballgame. Now, it’s my favorite morning of the week, and I know it will be the thing I’ll miss the most. I truly love the children and their parents.

 Is there a memory or moment in time from your work at the library that especially stands out?

There have been many: my former students bringing their children to storytime, meeting wonderful authors and illustrators, collaborating with Crystal Bridges Museum, engaging with schools and other community resources. Working during the pandemic is something I’ll never forget. It was rewarding (and fun!) to still be able to offer storytimes with our YouTube channel.  It’s great when a child comes to the library and says, “I saw you at my school!” after I’ve been there to promote summer reading.

Finish this sentence:  The thing I’ll miss most about working in the library is…

storytime, my amazing staff, and my fellow employees. They are definitely the best.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about either the library or library staff?

The library is always changing to meet the needs of the community, and many people are surprised at everything we offer. We smile when we hear, “Oh, I wish I had your job so I could read all day.” We wish we could!

 What are you most looking forward to about retirement?

I’m looking forward to traveling, spending extended time at the beach, and spending time with my grandchildren and their parents. I’m also looking forward to not commuting 50 miles a day!

Do you have a favorite quote about books, libraries, or reading?       

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” Emilie Buchwald  

When children outgrow those laps, I truly hope parents keep reading to them. When children start reading on their own, it’s important that parents still read aloud to them every day. Children can comprehend at a much higher level than they can read, so keep on reading, parents!

What’s your favorite children’s book?

Are you trying to make me pick a favorite child? There are so many wonderful, impactful books being published today. I can’t pick just one, but I love biographies. I’ve learned so much! Do you know how nachos were invented? You can find out if you read Nacho’s Nachos: The Story Behind the World’s Favorite Snack by Sandra Nickel. My favorite childhood book was Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary.

What’s your favorite young adult book?

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo.

What’s your favorite adult book?

I never miss a book by Louise Penny, Fredrik Backman, David Baldacci, Kate Quinn, and Fiona Davis. The romance genre got me through the pandemic! If I had to pick just one book, it would be Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg.

Is there anything else you’d like to add or an answer to a question you wish we’d asked?

The library is a welcoming space for all, and I think it’s essential that every child or teen that comes in can find a book that they relate to and see themselves in. My staff and I all agree that the best part of the day is when someone is excited to find just the book they were looking for. It’s also fun to be able find the book when a child says, “My teacher read me a book, and it’s blue, and it’s about a ghost.” We love connecting people with books!