Congratulations to Rob Sweeney of the Friends of the Enfield Library

Rob Sweeney, current president of the Friends of the Enfield Library, is now a board member for Friends of Connecticut Libraries (FOCL), a non-profit organization consisting of local Friends groups, organizations and individual members who believe that libraries are an essential resource for the citizens of our State.  Below is an article featured in the FOCL-Point Winter 2014 Newsletter.  Congratulations Rob, and thank you for the many ways you help support Connecticut Libraries!

Introducing A New FOCL Board Member from Enfield

I  am originally from Boston, the home of the World Champion Red Sox.  I moved to Connecticut 45 years ago when I married a school teacher from Enfield. We celebrated our 45th anniversary in August. I spent more than 20 years in systems management at the Travelers Insurance Company and the next several years as a consultant for electronic health care transactions.

I have always loved to read. My plan was to either own or work in a small bookstore when I retired. When I did retire eight years ago, to my dismay the small bookstore had vanished.

That year I noticed that the Enfield Library was having a book sale. I could enter free the first night if I joined the Friends. Well, of course I would, and I did. I was then invited to monthly meetings and then to work at the next book sale. This was almost as good as working in a bookstore. I loved it!

Some time later I was asked to serve as vice president of the group. I served in that role for two years. I am now in my third year as president.

The Enfield Friends was well established when I stepped in. Of course everyone's goal is to increase membership. To do that, I have tried to make every meeting an event. We always have an author, book groups, or other guests such as local environmentalists or historians. And refreshments are always served. My slogan is "A meeting should never be boring."