Caldejon retires from library after 16 years

A long-time bookworm has turned the last page in her current phase and is ready to see what the next chapter will hold. Riverside Regional Library circulation clerk Nancy Caldejon retired from her position in the Perryville branch Friday after 16 years.
“It just felt like the right time,” she said. “I’m ready to move onto whatever life has in store for me next.”
Caldejon spent nearly two decades checking out books, shelved books from previous patrons, set up displays, and was just busy helping patrons select their next book.
“That’s what I’m going to miss the most,” she said. “That type of interaction and recommending books to the people that come in. You can tell when people are deciding what book they should get next and then I will try to recommend a book based on what they like to read.”
The position was meant for Caldejon who is self-proclaimed bookworm
“Oh yes, I always have a book with me,” she said. “Sometimes I’ll step away for a few days, but then I jump right back into it. I try to read as much as I can. I will read pretty much anything. Maybe not so much non-fiction, or memoirs. I do like historical fiction and all those girlie books. I want to read about things that I’m interested in.”
Caldejon was also very active in book clubs and is always scouring the shelves for the next book to read and discuss with the group.
“I took over in 2014 or 2015, and then a few months later we added the book club on Monday afternoons,” she said. “We read books and facilitate. [Perryville branch manager] Melissa [Haymaker] will take over, but I still plan on coming.”

Caldejon said it was nothing special that got her started at the library 16 years ago.
“I just loved books,” she said. “It was a perfect job for me. We even made the cake today into a book for the occasion. I have loved every minute here and it really hasn’t felt like a job. This is just a small chapter in the story of my life.”
Before taking over at the library, Caldejon spent time in the United States Navy Reserve for more than 21 years..
“I started out active duty,” she said. “But I was in it for the travel, adventure, and of course the books. I met my husband and he was active duty for nine years. At that time, women weren’t allowed on ships and he was sent to Scotland and I went with him.”
Despite the love for her country, her time in the Navy Reserve doesn’t really relate to her time in the library, other than maybe the adventure that both can present in their own ways.
“I like to research books and put in my requests for the library,” she said. “I am thinking about what books would be best for the library and book club.”
Caldejon will do the “typical” things after retirement, which includes traveling.
“I will travel a little bit and go visit my daughter who lives in Brazil in a few months,” she said. “I have a lot of birthdays at the end of March and the beginning of April. I hope to stay with them for a while as long as I don’t drive them crazy.”