Cassandra Gardner is an administrative specialist in the Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access Directorate. She is retiring this month after a 40-year career at the Library. Sahar Kazmi conducted this interview.
Tell us about your background.
I was born and raised in Maryland and attended Prince George’s County schools. My parents bought their first house two years before I was born, and I still live in that house. I’m the only person I know who has never moved in their lifetime.
What brought you to the Library?
I was a work-study student at Northwestern High School in 1985. I would go to school for four hours, leave and then go to the Library and work for four hours. I was offered a permanent job after graduation. Little did I know that I would spend the rest of my work career here. I started as a clerk in the Copyright Office. I stayed there for four years until I accepted a position in what was then called Library Services. Library Services is now Library Collections and Services Group, and I work in the Acquisitions, Fiscal and Support Section as an administrative specialist. In my current position, I’m responsible for all administrative duties in AFOS, which include time and attendance, travel, entering performance documents, etc. I also assist the director of the Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access Directorate and the chief of the Network Development and MARC Standards Office with hiring actions such as submitting vacancy requests, scheduling interviews and initiating onboarding activities.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of being here for 40 years and forming lifelong friendships. I’m also proud of all the outstanding appraisals I’ve received and the awards for my performance throughout the years.
What are some standout moments from your time at the Library?
My standout moments are milestones that I made for myself. Before retiring, I wanted to be a seat filler at the Gershwin Prize, attend a Nationals game on Library Night and volunteer at the National Book Festival. I’m proud to say I’ve done all three! I’ve also enjoyed working with the Library’s overseas offices and being able to go to the different embassies here in D.C. to apply for visas for the field directors and for Library employees that had to travel to the field offices on business.
What’s next for you?
As a lifelong Redskins/Commanders fan, I will be going to Atlanta for the Commanders/Falcons game in September. In the immediate future after retirement, I have trips planned to Nashville, Connecticut, Las Vegas to see the New Kids on the Block’s residency and a cruise to Aruba and Curacao. I’m also looking forward to not having to wake up at 4:30 a.m. for work. Next year, I will look for a parttime job to give me something to do while also earning travel and casino money. Life is too short not to enjoy yourself.
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Comments (13)
What a lovely article about a great career and fantastic service given to our Library of Congress (and thus, all of us!! Thank you!) – and Congrats to you, Cassandra! LOTS of fun upcoming! Good for you!
Well done, enjoy your retirement!
Congratulations on your retirement and for all the great support you have given to the Library. As a person who has lived a nomadic existence most all my life it is hard to imagine your permanence in where you live and work. Though you have remained put throughout your life I am sure that your life and career was far from boring. You have worked where you have had the world at your fingertips each and every day. Good luck to you in your new adventures and thank you for all you have done.
WOW! I am so impressed. You have seen a “Revolution” in the acquisition of library materials. What stories you could tell. Hoping someone has taken your oral history as a long time LC staff member…you yourself are the history! Congrats!
This is a beautiful life story. Well done! Enjoy your new endeavors.
Congratulations and thank you for your 40 years of service! I especially appreciate the advice to enjoy life!
How wonderful to have been privileged to live all your life in one house. And to find work as a teen in the place you then called your second home for 40 years.
I can’t even imagine the extremely long friendships you have. That is a blessing. I hope this new chapter you are beginning is as rewarding as the previous chapters of your life. I’m certain that there will be many people missing the love you’ve given the Library for all these years.
Stay safe and be happy in this new chapter!
Such a beautiful story in the stability, consistency, and devotion. You’re going to have fun here in Atlanta. #FalconsFan It’s going to be a good game. Thanks for embracing goodness and serving the Library so well Cassandra. Job well done! Continue to enjoy life.
Congratulations! What a wonderful career! Enjoy your retirement!
Hi Cassandra! Welcome to the (retired LC staff) club! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have these 10 years!
WOW!! Was your teacher Gail Fridling!!! Congratulations!!
How incredible to work in one house for 40 long ones. I may not know you but I’m sure we passed each other hundreds of times. I too have given the work force 46 long ones at least 40 with the LC (1974-2020). Enjoy your next life phase you earned!
Enjoy your new life, well deserved LC 1974-2020.