Happy Days

"You've made me so happy, Miss." That was a departure comment I received from a new patron three weeks ago, and it has echoed in my ears ever since. He's 96 years young and likes to read westerns. Because of physical limitations, he's been unable to access library materials for several years. The outreach program was recommended to him by a lady who volunteers at his facility. He was pleasantly surprised to discover my crates were stocked with books by several popular western authors. He remarked what a good idea a "traveling library" was and also stated he felt particularly blessed to be the lone male among several female participants! I just saw him again a few days ago: he was waiting for me outside the community room. As I placed the desired book he mentioned at the last visit in his hands, his astonishment rendered him speechless. After a minute or so, he smiled at me and said warmly, "Miss, you've made me happy again." Those words are fuel for the perpetuality tank of the outreach program.