I had such kind comments when I mentioned I’m retiring, and looking for a place to live in the Columbus, Ohio area, but I also had questions. I want to reassure you. I’ve been working in libraries since I was sixteen. For most of those years, it was a joy. And, I always loved the people I worked with. It’s time, though, for retirement.
However, I will be continuing my blog. I’m not discontinuing my reading. I’m going to continue to review books for Library Journal. I’m going to continue to blog for The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, and we’ve even talked about expanding my role there. But, I still love to talk about books with all of you. That’s not going to change. Yes, I may have to take a little time off when I move mid-September, but I’m not giving this up.
The move to Columbus actually brings additional possibilities. There are two independent bookstores in the area, Gramercy Books and The Book Loft.
Both of those bookstores hold author events, and Gramercy Books has book clubs. I hope to attend some of the events and book club meetings. The Columbus Metropolitan Library is the home of the Ohioana Book Festival. My friend, Donna, and my sisters had talked about attending, and then COVID hit. Now, we’ll be able to go, and I can share photos with you.
I’m only retiring from my day job. I’m not giving up all the other book connections that bring me joy. That includes Lesa’s Book Critiques. I would miss all of you. I plan to be here. I hope you continue to join me.
Absolutely. I have been worried about this and feel so much better now. Thank you.
Oh, Kevin. You should have asked. I’m still going to be here.
Yay! I hated to think about losing your astute reviews and comments, even though I know you have given so much to the community that you deserve a happy rest. Still, I’m selfish enough to be glad that you’re still going to be hanging around and giving to us some more.
I am glad to hear that, Lesa. I would really miss you and your reviews and Thursdays.
Thank you, Tracy! No, we’ll all still have a place to talk books.
Wishing you the very best… I’m sure we’ll all miss you here but it’s good to know you you have other interesting plans.
All those future plans fit in perfectly with the blog, Reen.
Excellent! I am very happy for you!
I am very happy you are continuing the blog, Lesa. I think you have created a special community here. And I am very happy you will be able to retire!
Thank you, Jennifer. I agree. I’d miss everyone here if I dropped the blog. So many friends!
Congrats on your retirement ❤️
Thank you, Heather!
Many congratulations on your retirement, Lesa! I can attest to all the benefits. I will look forward to your continued blogging and many contributions to the book world. Adventure awaits!
Your blog means a lot to both readers and writers. I’m glad you’ll continue it.
I think you will find, as Bill Crider was the first to suggest (to me, at least) that when you’re retired you will wonder not what you’re going to do with the extra time, but rasther how you had time to work in the first place!
You deserve time to relax. Congratulations.
This is so true!
Congratulations on your retirement!
Congratulations on retirement, Lesa! My husband is set to retire in mid-July and we’re looking forward to living life on “our time” and where everyday is a Saturday!
Of course you’re going to continue to read! To paraphrase Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso, “Reading is Life!”
I am so glad to know that I can continue starting my day with my first cup of coffee and reading your blog ! 🙂 I am sure you will enjoy all that you do in a more relaxed way once you are fully retired.
That’s a huge relief! And Columbus looks like a lovely city.
I am so very relieved. I was going to ask much earlier but keep forgetting to do it. This is the only place that I can learn and share about books! It means so much to me personally!
It won’t be the same without you at the library, but reading your blog will still be a regular part of my work! 😉
Congrats on retiring from only your day job!! I am so glad we can still look forward to lots of book talk and reviews!
You not reading and advocating books?! Never gonna happen thank goodness!). The door will now open for you to expand the world of books you love in new forms, and having your family close by as an added bonus. You’re going to be the happiest you’ve ever been.
I wish you happiness in this next chapter of your life. You have so much to look forward to. Congratulations. Your readers/followers will benefit tremendously from your retirement.
Hope you’ll love retirement as much as we do! And hoping for more face to face visits at family events.
I think your column is such a good read. Glad you’re continuing it.
I hope that you will review my historical novels, once in print.
Good luck and keep on keeping on.
I wish you the best in your future adventures after retirement. Bookstores and libraries are the best for finding activities to your liking. I’m glad you’ll still continue with sharing books.
Whew, so glad to hear you will continue with your book reviews and blog posts (especially Thursday’s What are you Reading). I know that for many of us, although we have not met in person, we feel so much a part of your community. And heaven knows we all need more book recommendations! I know you will love retirement with more time to travel, see live theater and enjoy your friends and family. Having a plan in place to continue the book activities that bring you joy is so smart. Thanks for reassuring us that we can continue to share our day with you.
This is great news! I can understand wanting to retire, and that will free you up for doing the things you enjoy most. Wishing you all the best!
Good news, because you are one of the best critics going – thoughtful and on the nose!
Great news, Lesa. You’ve earned your retirement, and I am delighted that you’ll be keeping up with your book reviews and blogging! I hope it’s an easy move.
Thank you, everyone! I enjoyed reading all your comments about retirement. They make me even more excited about the future.
Stick around! There may be a few bumpy times during the moving process, but I’m sure we’ll all enjoy future books together.
Some how I missed that you will be retiring. You are retirement material! LOL You have so many things you will want to do. No boredom for you.
I know you’ll do lots of reading, reviewing and am so glad you will continue to blog.
Best wishes to you Lesa.
Thank you, Carol! I’m looking forward to retirement, once I get past the moving stage in September!
“When one door closes, another one opens. Other than that, pretty good car!”
Dear Lesa, so happy you’ll continue with your reviews! We will stay tuned for the next chapter. Best and Brightest wishes to you!
Thank you, Carole!