Out and About in Central New Jersey: Farewell from Carol Simon Levin

Dear Bridgewater Library Patrons and Friends,

You may have noticed that this blog is no longer showing events at the Bridgewater Library. In late 2016, I was informed that the Marketing Department was creating its own quarterly online Youth Services Newsletter and I could no longer create the blog at the library. So for the past year, I have been writing "Out and About in Bridgewater" on my own time. Now all my time is my own.

On December 11th, I was informed that because of a series of actions I had taken -- including mentioning to Marketing in the spring that it appeared our programs might not be showing up in the Courier-News Calendar section, emailing colleagues in the summer asking if anyone had received a DisABILITIES poster from the County, putting up an impromptu "Day of the Dead" Display on Halloween to coincide with Disney's new film "Coco," and using an older version of the "Books for Kids" poster on the reference desk -- I was “insubordinate” and would no longer be permitted to work at the Somerset County Library System. I was given the option of termination or retirement and was immediately shown the door.

I had not been accused of child endangerment or theft of library funds or materials -- I had tried to help patrons find our programs and materials! And for this, I was ordered to leave library employment without even getting the chance to return to my office, say goodbye to my colleagues, or to create a farewell program for your wonderful children.

And so, after 25 years at the Bridgewater Library, I have accepted an early retirement offer and have left the Somerset County Library System. The agreement I signed will not allow me to work again at any branch of the Somerset County Library System.

I am so sorry I couldn’t say goodbye to you at my library programs or the youth services reference desk. I plan to attend the Library Commission meeting on Wednesday January 10th at 7 p.m. at the Bridgewater Library if anyone wants to say goodbye in person – and plan to stay active in the community so may see many of you around the area.

It has been my great pleasure during these last 25 years to share a kaleidoscope of programs with your wonderful children – introducing them to my favorite books (and through them to stories, people and ideas to expand their minds and horizons), time-traveling from Pompeii to Picasso, inspiring them to create art and architecture, to explore engineering, science, and mathematics, to write their own books, and use their imagination and creativity to the fullest.

I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing stories, songs, and activities with a quarter-century of preschoolers as well as being able to help you, your children, and your students at the reference desk.

I will miss you all.

I have a busy future ahead – I plan to become a freelance librarian, doing programs for adults and children in various venues in area communities (if you know of any in particular who might want to have me, please have them get in touch with me), writing about “fascinating women history forgot,” and doing my best to make this world a little better. You can find my upcoming programs at tellingherstories.com and children's program details at carolsimonlevin.blogspot.com.

Feel free to stay in touch. I plan to stay active in the community so may see many of you around the area. I would be delighted to hear from you and am always happy to help with questions or reading suggestions. My email is cslevin59 (at) gmail.com.

It has been a wonderful journey together. A special thank you to the Muslim Community of Middlesex County for your "Everyday Heroes" award, to the Library Commission for the commendation for my book Remembering the Ladies and, most of all, to all of you who have made my working days an absolute delight.

Wishing you all a happy & healthy 2018! ~ Carol Simon Levin

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead, anthropologist.

“No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.” ~ Helen Keller

"The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day." ~ Gloria Steinem

"I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one." ~ Calamity Jane (1852-1903), American frontierswoman

A walk down memory lane -- a few of the programs from the past few years (you can see more pictures by clicking on the titles)
Celebrating The Great American Eclipse 2017