We'll miss you, Ms. Susan! As you begin a new chapter in your life, we thank you for your years of dedication and service to our students, parents, and staff. Your passion for reading and your ability to connect people with the perfect story or resource has left an indelible mark on all of us.

Read the interview with Ms. Susan below, which encapsulates her love for Spain and the Spanish language and her journey to working at the American School of Barcelona for 34 years!

Leave a short message for her directly on this Padlet.

Tell us about your beginnings at ASB.

I joined ASB in 1990 to help establish the first Library Center. At the time, the library was just a small storage room filled with old, donated books. Working alongside Grace Mackay, the librarian then, we faced the enormous task of creating a true library for ASB. With support from the late Director Ms. Elsa Lamb and the guidance of Joan López, a library consultant from ASM, we received invaluable training in processing, cataloging, and managing the library.

It's amazing to see how the library has evolved from a quiet space for storytime to a vibrant, central hub for learning. Today, it's a place of discovery, creativity, and community—a safe haven for students and staff alike.

What brought you to Spain?

My connection to Spain actually began in high school when I had the opportunity to stay with a host family in Seville for a month. The trip was life-changing, but it wasn't easy—my father didn't approve of me going and made it clear he wouldn't support me financially. So, I worked all summer to raise the $1,000 needed to go. It was such an expensive trip that I couldn't even afford a souvenir for my mother!

That life-changing trip sparked my passion for Spanish culture, leading me to study art history and Spanish at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Through their study abroad program, I ended up in Barcelona.

After trying to make a living as a translator, I turned to teaching English. I found a teaching job at Institut Dexeus, where I taught English to the hospital administration as well as to a few doctors and nurses. But when Dexeus was sold to a French company, I reached out to ASB for a position. Even though there were no openings at first, I called the director every week for over a month. Finally, my persistence paid off, and I was offered a part-time librarian role!

Can you tell us about a special memory you have from your time at ASB?

One afternoon, while working alone in the library, I noticed students hurrying out of their classroom. Minutes later, a group of firemen burst in, shouting in Spanish and ordering me to evacuate. Outside, I learned the school had been evacuated due to a bomb threat. Thankfully, it was a false alarm, but it remains one of my most memorable—and nerve-wracking—moments at ASB!

What will you miss the most?

Without a doubt, I will miss the people—the students, staff, and the entire ASB community. There's something special about the way everyone comes together. I'll miss seeing the enthusiasm on the kids' faces when they discover a new book, the camaraderie of my colleagues, and the excitement we shared during literacy events and author visits.

Any future projects?

In the future, I'm excited to focus more on traveling and pursuing some of my personal passions. And of course, I'm looking forward to continuing to share my love of reading with my grandchildren!

As you depart, what would you like to say to the community?

The library has always been a place of welcome and support—a safe space where everyone can feel at ease. It's a source of inspiration, peace, and connection for all.

And finally, a book you recommend?

I highly recommend Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. It's a beautifully written and thought-provoking story.

Final words?

As I step into retirement, I'm filled with gratitude for this journey and the wonderful people I've met along the way. Thank you to everyone who has been part of my ASB story.

View some photos of Ms. Susan's time at ASB, including our end-of-year staff lunch, where many former teachers and staff members, such as Ms. Grace, Ms. Trini, Ms. Mari Carmen, Ms. Rosa, Ms. Febe, Mr. Luis, and Mr. Jesus, joined us to congratulate Ms. Susan on her special last day. What an amazing group!