The arrival of September has always signified the unofficial end of summer. Outdoor barbecues become a distant memory, and sandals are replaced by suede boots. However, September also brings about many exciting firsts – the first week of school, the first NFL game of the season – and for me, the new Louise Parker Berry Fellow at Darien Library, the first moment of a dream realized. Today, I, Erica Bess, am a librarian!

I attended the Library & Information Science program at Rutgers University during a time of transition for the library world, when new theories on developing collections and cutting-edge technologies emerged to the forefront. Every student dreams of finding an organization that embraces innovation and that provides a chance to work with the best in the field; I had to look no further than Darien Library.

I am delighted by the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities I will have to serve the Darien community, and I look forward to learning from you, as well. On your next visit to the library, please stop by and say hello to the new girl in town! I can't wait to meet all of you, and I hope you find these next two years to be as thrilling as I have dreamed them to be.