Dewey’s Café manager Sam Bradley has been with the library for 10 years. Before he leaves us, we decided to ask him a few questions. 

Q. & A. with Sam 

When did you start working at the library? 

 7/7/2015

What kind of work did you do before you came to work at the library? 

I was a shift superintendent for Bremner Manufacturing.  Crackers and Cookies.

Do you remember what motivated you to want to work at the library?

 It looked like a good challenge without the high pressure of manufacturing.

Describe the Fort Smith Public Library in three words.

Very laid back.

How has the library changed in the years you’ve worked here?

COVID made a huge impression on the library. Shorter open hours and a shift in customer service focus.

What has been your favorite part about working at the library?

The regular customers I have friended through the years.

What’s your favorite library service?

Interlibrary loan.

Is there a memory or moment in time from your work at the library that especially stands

out?

The library staff was very sweet when I lost my wife Deanna.  Closing Dewey’s for the funeral was touching beyond words.

Finish this sentence:  The thing I’ll miss most about working in the library is…

The people, both coworkers and customers.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about either the library or library staff?

That we are always telling people to "Shhhhh.  Be quiet."

What are you most looking forward to about retirement?

Travel and catching up with old friends.

Do you have a favorite book?

After the Bible probably The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy.

Good luck and thank you Sam!  We are all wishing you the very best in your retirement and the years to come.