A Library Story: New Beginnings and Lifelong Learning
Mike Hobbs is no ordinary man. And the Camarillo Public Library is no ordinary public library. At an age when others consider retirement, Mike is challenging norms and redefining his life with the help of the Library. When Mike enrolled in the Forbes School of Business at Ashford University to study Electronic Marketing (eMarketing) at age 57, he relied on the Camarillo Library for resources and quiet study space.
Mike’s biggest challenge was balancing family, business and education. He found respite at the Library’ studying during lunch, after work and on weekends as his schedule allowed. “We have a pretty active household and during the time I was getting my degree I needed a place that was quiet and close to our home, a place where I could research and study,” he said. Enter Camarillo Public Library. “Between the rigors of obtaining a degree, being the CEO of a company and having an active family, I had to set aside a specific time and place to study. After living in Camarillo for so many years, the idea of going to Camarillo Public Library came naturally.”
“It was important for me knowing I was at a place where I would have access to data, where I would not be interrupted and where I could rely on the friendly and available staff.”
Finding the balance between family, work and school was not easy. Mike devoted all day on Sundays to study; morning until night. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, he arrived at the Library at about one p.m. and finish at 9 p.m. “Starting at 1 p.m. and staying until it closed, I know I was pushing the Library’s time limits,” he said with a smile. “But the staff was always welcoming.”
The Camarillo Public Library became Mike’s comfort zone, serving as Mike’s work headquarters as well as study space. He reserved meeting rooms, set up his equipment and used the Library for meetings with his marketing team or business partner. “The atmosphere inspires higher learning,” Mike said. “It was important for me knowing I was at a place where I would have access to data, where I would not be interrupted and where I could rely on the friendly and available staff.
It’s like walking into a stadium – you are stimulated by your surroundings. Similarly, a library stimulates a positive attitude toward learning and growing. It’s set up and ergonomically designed to help people like me, holding down a full-time job and running a company, to completely switch gears and follow their dreams.”
