In 2002, Sharon Thomerson headed to San Diego from Colorado to become part of the San Diego Public Library staff. Her first position as a librarian was at La Jolla Riford branch. One of her fondest memories was presenting story time on the lawn of John Coles’ Book Shop in La Jolla. During the 18-month remodel of Riford, Thomerson served as assistant branch manager at the University Community library. She said, “I knew then that I had found my home.” After an interim promotion as branch manager at North Clairemont, Sharon was able to “come home” as branch manager at University City library five years ago. The branch libraries were in transition when she became head librarian in UC. San Diego had suffered from the financial crisis rolling across America, and former Mayor Jerry Sanders proposed that several branch libraries be closed to save money in the city budget. Among them was the UC venue. (“Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries,” according to A. Herbert.) Many UC residents raised a ruckus with the mayor and City Council, and UC library had its hours slashed, but the library remained open. Sharon Thomerson transformed it into a viable community center. “With funding from Friends of the Library,” she explained, “we increased the number of computers from 7 to 22.” Adults used the computers to seek out jobs, and students worked on homework. Activities took place in the community meeting room: musical talent, educational events, even Zumba. Not only did Thomerson wear the hat of a library manager; she became a talent agent. She credits the Friends group as “those passionate and dedicated volunteers; one of my great joys has been working with Friends of the Library.” In turn, the Friends group credits Sharon for making lemonade out of lemons: the financial crisis, the slashed hours, the need to market the library as more than just a place to check out books. The American Library Association reminds us that “when you absolutely, positively have to know something, ask a librarian.” Sharon knows so much and does so much for the library community and all UC. She wisely had a sign with 12-inch letters spelling out “LIBRARY” placed on the building “to let nonlibrary users know we were there to serve them,” she said with a smile. Sharon’s retirement date is today, March 27. She will spend time catching up on reading, lunch with friends, resuming long walks and yoga. Colorado will be on her travel plans, as she wants to visit her daughter and two grandsons. “I will continue to live in San Diego, where I hope to see my UC friends around.” Her UC friends will sorely miss her. “Google can bring you back 100,000 answers,” one library advocate says; “a librarian can bring you back the right one.” That’s our Sharon.
