If you stopped by the Monterey Public Library staff room this afternoon, you might be lucky enough to share some celebratory cake and ice cream with Joe Johnson, reference librarian at the Library for 33 years today.

That means Joe first began work in Monterey during the last century - and millennium! (Not to worry, Joe - I did too :)

A lot has changed in the library world in the past three decades. Nowadays Joe spends more time with online databases then clipping files, with print stations and personal computers than mimeograph machines and reviewing movies on DVD instead of reel-to-reel.

And yet, a lot hasn't changed. For over thirty years Joe has been a welcoming presence at the reference desk, an expert guide through the sometimes confusing, unreliable and seemingly endless universe of information and a supportive and valued colleague.

Thank you Joe for your years of service, and your commitment to the Library - informing, inspiring, delighting and educating all - the Library IDEA! And Happy Thirty-three from all of us.