This “Meet the Staff Monday” is unusual because we are turning the spotlight on one of the most familiar faces here, Patricia “Pat” McClane, who has decided it’s time to retire. Never wanting to be the center of attention, Pat shied away from signing up for this blog. But with her impending departure and a lot of nudging, she finally acquiesced. So join us in wishing Miss Pat a very fond farewell as she begins the next chapter of her life. We will all miss her very much!
Originally from Kansas, I met my husband in college, graduated, got married, and moved to his hometown of St. Louis. We lived there for 12 ½ years. Soon after, we settled in O’Fallon with our two daughters and are still here!
When a job opened up at the library, I applied because I love to read (of course) and the part-time schedule would work with family schedules. My first day was Monday, June 11, 2007. It was also the first day of the Children’s Summer Reading Program…that was an eye-opener! I realized how busy our library was.
The best part of working at the O’Fallon Library are the staff, patrons, and books! It’s a great community. I learn something new every day and am so thankful I’m around so manThe y smart people. I also get the best book recommendations from this community.
I don’t really have a favorite author, but mysteries are my favorite genre. Each December, I love to read “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens before Christmas Day. It is one of those traditions that make the season special.
Regrettably, I will be retiring on December 31st of this year. It was a bittersweet decision for me. I will be spending more time with family, dealing with issues I’ve put “on the back burner”, traveling with my husband, Doug, and reading! Unfortunately, I will miss those of you who have truly become my friends. Now I will be a library patron and volunteer. I’ll see all of you around, so don’t forget those book recommendations!
Mysteries You Might Enjoy:
Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding by Rhys Bowen – In the days leading up to her wedding to Darcy O’Mara, Lady Georgiana Rannoch is staying at the princess’s London house when she receives a letter from one of her mother’s former husbands, Sir Hubert Anstruther. Georgie is now his sole heir, and he’s offering her the use of his lovely country house. However, when Georgie arrives, it becomes clear that she is definitely not wanted in the house. Strange things are happening, including a lively ghost and a less than friendly reception from the new butler. When a body shows up, Georgie realizes that Sir Hubert’s invitation may not have been entirely altruistic and begins to wonder if she’ll even make it to her wedding day.
The Darling Dahlias and the Poinsettia Puzzle by Susan Albert Wittig – The Christmas season in 1934 Darling, Alabama, finds the Dahlias, Mildred Kilgore and Earlynne Biddle, lending their talents to a new bakery, the biggest puzzle of Charlie’s career, an exploited young performer, and Sheriff Norris’ investigation at a nearby prison farm. (Sequel to The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover)
Plum Tea Crazy by Laura Childs – When it is discovered that banker Carson Lanier was hit by a crossbow, Theodosia is challenged to identify the killer among multiple suspects. Includes recipes and tea time tips.
The O'Fallon Public Library News 