Recognition of Fincastle librarian upon her upcoming retirement
Editor:
I write today to recognize an outstanding community leader, a quiet yet prominent leader that has recently, unexpectedly decided to apply for retirement from her position in the Fincastle Library.
Rhonda K. Bandy is the current manager for the Fincastle Library. Recently, I became aware that she has decided to submit her retirement papers from the only working position that I have ever truly seen her enjoy. Rhonda had dreamed of becoming a librarian for as long as I have known her and considering she is my older sister that literally means all my life. Her love of books, all kinds of books, has been evident in everything that she has done. She is the only reason I do not “dog ear” my books to keep my place still to this day, because I do not want to disappoint her. When she told me four or five years ago that she finally had achieved her dream job we all celebrated because it was the fulfillment of her lifelong dream to become a librarian.
She dove into the new environment with enthusiasm and joy! Her desire was to bring the wonders of the library to everyone in the community. The involvement with other leaders in the community was noted in the commitment from friends and patrons to the new environment created in this local and unique place. Rhonda led her team of dedicated and delightful librarians to new events such as with the bookmobile, book exchange, afternoon reading, morning crafts and, of course, participating in fun events like the local parade with new floats each year.
The library was indeed thriving under her leadership because the love she had for her teammates and patrons (also called her friends.) Everyone seemed to realize they had a new center to gather, to meet people, to partake in accessing the knowledge of the library.
Her goal was always to help people see the true wonders of what a library can be from reading to a child from a favorite book to showing them how to craft something using instructions from a DIY book or mostly just igniting the imagination of the next generation of humans that will make a difference with a story book. The passion of being a librarian is to ignite the passion of reading, exploring, and developing a lifelong commitment to learning. It is a goal that was achieved many times over by my wonderful sister.
Again, my purpose is to recognize the commitment and achievements of Rhonda K. Bandy. She is today and always will be the Master Librarian.
Ronald G. Kessinger
Colonel (Ret), USAF
