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.”
