Librarian Kate Holmes embraces change and challenges with vigor. After Frank, her husband of nearly 30 years, passed away a couple of years ago, there were many changes and challenges in her life: managing on a tighter budget, downsizing to a smaller apartment, and dealing with grief and loss. She had to start a new life—ready or not. Kate is a believer in finding joy where you are, not waiting for “someday” to be happy again, and she said she found joy in her work.
Q: In your work? Tell us more about that.
A: For almost seven years I was the “Evil Genius of Training,” a woman with a passion for helping my colleagues succeed in their jobs. Each day I came to work creating training projects, using amazing tools, including Articulate Presenter & Adobe Captivate, that are both challenging to learn and fun to use. When Frank passed away, I devoted myself to my work, and I found that it stretched me, making me grow. I learned something new every day. What joy!
Q: As of October 1st, you began working in Public Service at Reference and Non-Fiction at the Main Library. How’s that going?
A: Amazingly well! I must admit that my initial reaction was one of total shock and disbelief. After all, I was the “Evil Genius of Training!” How could I possibly be anything else? After a weekend full of pain and grief, I remembered that if you don’t have the desks covered, library doors close. The library needed coverage, I was trained to do that, and I needed to embrace my new role. So, instead of complaining about my new circumstance, I celebrated it, treating myself to a new hairdo & some spiffy new duds. I know that being happy is not a feeling, it’s a choice, and I made a conscious decision to be happy. I’m so glad to come to work every day, knowing that I’m working for what I consider to be the best public library system in the world, with great people who “bring it” every day.
Q: What advantage has working in Training given you for your new role in Main Reference?
A: Working in Training taught me that, as much as we wish that there could always be clear, unambiguous answers to every question, that simply isn't realistic. Flexibility and a willingness to try different solutions are key to success in all things. It also taught me that really listening to others and setting your preconceptions behind often brings unexpected, powerful results. Lastly, it taught me to always keep reaching forward, letting go of what lies behind. If you linger in the past, you'll miss today's opportunities and the promise of tomorrow.
Q: If there’s one thing you could say to your colleagues to help them through this challenging time, what would it be?
A: I’d remind them that everyone was impacted by this event, even those who were not demoted or moved. The reason I say this is because we all lost our communities, whether it was your branch, your department, or the folks you shared a desk with; they were part of your community and many of them have gone elsewhere. We all need to embrace each other, step outside of our personal grief and pain, and begin rebuilding community. It’s often been said that the best way to help yourself through a tough time is to reach out and help someone else through theirs. I encourage us all to try it.
Q: How do you keep yourself busy outside of the library?
A: I recently began exploring the local museums and galleries. I also love playing with my two cats, Artemis and Francois, who were my salvation when Frank died.
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