The library won’t be the same without you, Paula, but Florence County is a better place because of you. After 35 years of guiding countless children through shelves of stories and dreams, it’s time to close this chapter and open a new one filled with your own adventures. Please enjoy these well wishes from staff members all around Florence County Library System, and we hope you are blessed with endless time to read whatever you like and a happy retirement.
Paula, I'm amazed at all you've accomplished for the children and families of Florence County. I especially appreciate how your dedication and focus on the library's mission is contagious! Your example inspires all of us, and working with you has made me a better librarian. We will miss you but the impact of your work will continue to grow.
-Alan
Paula, Thank you so much for your dedication to youth services over the past three and a half decades. I learned almost everything I know about youth services from working with you and observing your passion for serving children, teens, and their parents. Our youth services and collections would not be what they are today without you, as you built them from the ground up. It would be difficult to tally the thousands of lives and multiple generations you have touched and improved through your tireless efforts and enthusiasm. Enjoy a happy and well-deserved retirement!
-Aubrey
Paula, I want to thank you for seeing in me what I didn't see in myself. You have such a gift at choosing people for the children's department, seeing their positives and assigning things to them to highlight those positives. I will cherish our talks and laughs, but most importantly, I will always cherish the constant belief you had in me. I hope retirement is everything you want it to be, but remember, you're always welcome at my story times!
-Hank
I first met Paula in 2003 at a Pee Dee Children's Librarian meeting when I was working as a Youth Services Librarian for another county. Through the years she's been a great source of both information and inspiration! I am forever indebted to her for telling me about the branch manager opening in Johnsonville and suggesting I apply. It has been a pleasure working in the same library system these past 9 years and I hope retirement is everything she wishes it to be!
-Cathy
I will remember Paula for her upbeat greetings. Every time I see her, she greets me with a bright smile with a 'Hello' or 'How's it going?'. It always made me smile back because I know she actually cares about what I say. She doesn't ask just do it or to be polite.
-Taylor
Paula, I'm so thankful that you decided to take a chance on me when I had been out of the workforce for so long. You have really helped me realize my potential and gave me great ways to use my creativity. You will be missed, but I hope you enjoy your retirement.
-Scarlett
Thirty-five years and I only got to know you these last few months. I wish I could have had more time to work with you, Paula, but all the best in your well-earned retirement!
-Rose
Paula, I may not have ever worked in your department, but you've always made me feel welcome and supported anyway. You make everyone feel like they belong, patron and employee alike. I hope your retirement is every bit as wonderful as you deserve- you've certainly earned it!
-Kathleen
After countless story times, hundreds of book recommendations, and decades spent nurturing young imaginations, it is a truly bittersweet moment to celebrate Paula's retirement. I will never forget her (sometimes) odd requests for viewing material, her quick laugh, and her unwavering commitment to THE University of South Carolina Gamecocks, despite the team sometimes absolutely not deserving it.
Paula created a safe haven here—a place where every child felt seen, heard, and encouraged to be curious, entertained, or just silly. Our community has been woven with the countless hours Paula dedicated to those young minds. Your legacy lives on in every child who now reads under the covers with a flashlight, and every parent who remembers your kind assistance. You didn't just do a job; you instilled a love of reading that will last lifetimes.
As you close this chapter and open a new one, we wish you a retirement filled with comfort, joy, and all the adventures you deserve. May your next set of shelves be filled with leisure, contentment, and plenty of time for reading just for fun.
-James
Paula and I always talked about our gardens and our latest successes, or sometimes failures (like with my attempts at growing tomatoes). I appreciate all the samples you gave me over the years Paula, homegrown veggies are definitely superior to store bought ones. I thoroughly enjoyed our talks and also you imparting your wisdom and the things you had learned over the years in the library world. I wish we had been able to talk more, but I appreciate you making me laugh and calming me down at times when I really needed it. I hope you have an absolutely amazing retirement, you definitely deserve it.
-Danielle
Paula, we have worked together for so many years, and your love for the children of Florence County is evident in all that you have done here at the library. I will always remember the festivals, summer readings, conferences, and other things we were able to share. Now it is time for you to relax, travel, and do all the things you want to do. Happy Retirement!
-Julie
Paula, enjoy your retirement to the fullest!
-Elizabeth
I remember the first time that I really dealt with and got to know Paula. I had to have storytime training. I was so very nervous (yes, I am shy). I felt like I was in the police station with a light held to my face being questioned. Paula told me there was no reason to be nervous because those kids were not judging me. They were just going to enjoy listening to the stories I read to them. I needed to relax and have fun with it because I was doing a great job. Paula's tenacity and dedication to the children in our community is unparalleled. The Florence County community and staff are going to miss you, Paula!
-Penny
Paula, I admire the way you made contacts within the community. You worked tirelessly to provide for the children of Florence County. Enjoy your well-earned rest and relaxation, and know you will be missed!
-Rachel
A happy memory that I have with Paula is our first ride together over to Lynches River. The whole ride was filled with laughter, personality, and welcoming in spirit. I can imagine that I am not the only one who has experienced this on every encounter. Thank you Paula for all you've done past and present and I am looking forward to seeing what your future holds! Happy retirement! With love,
-Thomas
Paula, I will always remember you for your passion and genuine enthusiasm for providing the best library services for Florence's youngest patrons. Your enthusiasm is contagious and I think that's really reflected in your Children's staff. We're constantly thinking of new programs or new ways to make experiencing the library easier or more enjoyable for children and their families and we have always had your full support. You're a remarkable woman and a model librarian. Forever to thee, Paula!
- Katlyn
Paula, I will remember you as a model librarian, showing tireless dedication, kindness, and creativity in your work. As someone who is fairly new to librarianship, I looked to you as an example of how to create a welcoming space where every child and patron feels seen and cared for. I wish you a happy retirement, filled with the same wonder you brought to so many children in this next chapter of life. Forever to thee, Paula-and Go Gamecocks!
-Kimberly
I have really enjoyed working with Paula for the past 14 years. Paula really cares about children and their access to books and information. She and her team really work hard to provide great programs for our community's children. Paula's dedication to our library system will be missed greatly. I always enjoy talking to her about Gamecock football whenever I have the opportunity.
-Greg
Paula, you have been the most dedicated and inspiring mentor, and I'm so grateful you hired me and encouraged me to pursue librarianship. I am just one of the many lives you've changed by being the kind-hearted, supportive individual you are. Thank you for your years of work creating a space that fosters acceptance, learning, creativity, and fun, both for your employees and the families of Florence County. You are one in a million and will be very missed. Happy retirement and happy travels! I can't wait to see all the places you will go!
Wishing you every happiness,
Mikaela
Paula, I learned so much from you in the 10+ years we worked together. You taught me what it means to be a children's librarian. When I think about my career and the legacy I hope to leave behind, I'd love to accomplish even half of what you've done in the past 30 years! Enjoy your retirement, you've earned it.
Love,
Jordan
Paula, Getting to know you has been an absolute pleasure! I have enjoyed hearing of your life experiences, adventures, hobbies, and dreams. I have enjoyed our times of laughter as well. May this next chapter be all that you have hoped for and more. Happy retirement...you will be greatly missed!
-Marilyn Whitaker
Paula, I am so thankful to have gotten to work with you for the last five years. You are truly the epitome of a children's librarian, and I will always remember your guidance, support, and advice. You have taught me so much about not only being a good librarian, but being a good person. Thank you for everything, and happy retirement!
- Carmen