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Jim Rettig

childhood ambition: At one point I wanted to read every book ever written (pretty funny in retrospect!)

first job: Working before and after the school day at my high school’s book store-for $1.25/hour

proudest moment: Witnessing with my wife our children’s significant accomplishments and milestones in their lives. Hard to believe we played a part in the development of such extraordinary young adults.

biggest challenge: Getting it all done (or at least that’s my most chronic – probably even perpetual – challenge)

currently reading: Tobias Wolff, This Boy’s Life

most surprising thing about being a librarian: How much the field has changed since 1975 and how much I have learned since then! I wonder what it will look like in 2035?

Most surprising thing about being a library leader: Each year only one of its 66,000 members is chosen to serve as ALA’s president and this next year I am that fortunate one.

I love being a librarian because: Librarians make the world a better place; we help people improve their lives and our world.