In 1991, the year I walked across the graduation stage with a brand new diploma, the country had slipped into what history now calls a “mini” recession. For those of us searching for work, though, it felt anything but small. Companies that normally swept onto campuses in full recruiting force suddenly canceled visits or came only to hire one person instead of many.

During an interview, sensing my hopeful determination, the recruiter offered me a surprising dose of honesty.

“Tallie,” he said, “because I like you, I’m telling you now — you won’t be hired. And honestly, you would hate this career. Go home, write down what matters most to you, narrow it to your top ten values, and find a job that honors them. I’d be surprised if even one aligns with what we do.”

I left discouraged — but also with an assignment that changed the course of my life.

February is Love Your Library Month, and all these years later, I love working for the Grand County Library District because it fulfills every value on my top ten list. My north star has held steady: work with an incredible team, offer educational opportunities, collaborate to strengthen the community, create space for joy and entertainment, and do it all surrounded by natural beauty. I treasure a workplace rooted in lifelong learning, growth, ethical leadership, curiosity, and Cowper’s reminder that “Variety is the very spice of life.”

And truly, what better place than a library to live a life rich in spice, flavor, and possibility? I’m far from the only one who feels this way.

To celebrate Love Your Library Month this February, I created a survey asking patrons what they love about our libraries. In just a few days, 63 people from all five branches responded. The forms came back decorated with hearts, stars, smiley faces, and enthusiastic notes. Nine respondents checked every box!

The top ten reasons people love the library:

10. Library of Things
9.  Crafting programs
8. Technology support
7. Online resources
6. eBooks/audiobooks
5. Access Grand passes
4. Saves me money
3. Books, DVDs, and magazines
2. Safe spaces to work, read, relax, meet, create, breathe
1. Staff — marked by 98.4% of respondents

Many people praised the human side of our libraries: “Staff are extraordinarily helpful and willing to chat,” “They care deeply about the community,” “The best ‘little’ library ever!” “A magnificent resource for the whole county.” Nancy wrote, “I love Shelly. She’s wonderful, knowledgeable, a beautiful person.”

Other favorite comments: “Facilities and lollipops,” “Great curation of new books, interesting displays, community education,” “Calm, quiet space,” “History (local) resources,” “Lego time is our favorite,” and from someone who may experience food insecurity, “Always snacks!!”

An email just arrived from Tracy Petty who used an Access Grand pass for the first time:
“My family and I used your pass to enter the Butterfly Pavilion. My grandchildren and adult kids had an amazing time together. Thank you for helping make an affordable day for me.” – Tracy Pett

If you’d like to fill out a survey of your own, stop by any branch during Love Your Library Month this February. And don’t miss Take Your Child to the Library Days on February 6 in Hot Sulphur Springs and 7 at all other locations. Visit GCLD.org for programs, resources, and even more reasons to love your libraries.

Tallie Gray is the director of library resources for Grand County Library District. Reach her at tgray@gcld.org.