This article, by Amber Mathewson, was originally published in the Arizona Daily Star on June 14, 2025.
Note: At the time of this publication, Amber Mathewson retired as director of Pima County Public Library. In this article, she reflects on the role and the decades she spent serving the community.
It is both an honor and a deeply emotional time as I prepare to close this chapter of my professional life. After 34 years with Pima County Public Library—eight of those as Director—this moment is filled with gratitude, reflection, and hope for the future.
When I first walked through the doors of our library system, I knew I was entering a world where stories come to life, knowledge is boundless, and communities are built. What I didn’t fully realize at the time was just how profoundly this journey would shape me. The library has been more than just a workplace; it has been a home where I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of literacy, the unyielding strength of community, and the magic that happens when people are given the resources and encouragement to grow.
Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the unwavering dedication of my colleagues, each of them bringing passion, creativity, and a deep commitment to service every single day. Together, we have built programs that extend far beyond bookshelves. We have created spaces that welcome, uplift, and empower. We have championed literacy not just within our walls, but in the very fabric of our community.
My involvement with Literacy Connects and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has only reinforced what I have always believed—that literacy is the foundation upon which opportunity is built. That libraries are more than repositories of books; they are gateways to lifelong learning, safe havens for curiosity, and catalysts for change. And that community service is not an obligation but a privilege that allows us to shape a world that is more informed, more compassionate, and more connected.
As I step into retirement, my heart is full knowing that the legacy of our work together will continue in the hands of remarkable individuals. The future of the library is bright, because it is powered by individuals who believe in its mission as fiercely as I do. Keep advocating for knowledge. Keep fostering curiosity. Keep opening doors for those seeking a better tomorrow.
Thank you to my colleagues, my mentors, and my friends. Thank you to the community that has trusted and supported this institution. And most of all, thank you for allowing me to be a part of something so much greater than myself.
Though I may be retiring from my role, my commitment to libraries, literacy, and lifelong learning will never fade. I look forward to seeing the continued impact of libraries in the lives of our community members.
Thank you.
Amber Mathewson retired as director of Pima County Public Library on June 7. In her 34 years at the library, she held multiple positions and worked at numerous branches, including Murphy-Wilmot, Joyner-Green Valley, Miller-Golf Links, and Eckstrom-Columbus. Before becoming director, she was the Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives. In her retirement, Amber plans to volunteer in the community and pursue personal interests like biking, walking, crocheting, doodling, and of course, reading.
