When I first introduced myself and the Gum Spring Library to you all last September, our opening team was less than five months away from opening the doors to Loudoun County’s eighth library branch. In this, my final column for Fresh Paint, I want to reflect on the past nine months and share with you my vision for the future. Fifteen months ago we worried about planning appropriate programs, about being too busy (or, even worse, not busy at all), and about explaining to the community why a dedicated teen space was important. As it turns out, we had very little to worry about. In the nine months we have been open, we have settled into our role in the community and it is like we have always been here. Everyone who enters is in awe of our teens-only space and loves the idea of nurturing young adults in a safe, fun environment. We know our regulars by name and interests, and we gain new patrons and friends each day. Our program numbers continue to increase as we transform what we originally planned into what our patrons are telling us they want and need. The teen book club grew tremendously when I expanded the activities from simply discussing books to discussing related media, and showing book and movie trailers. We quickly learned that arts and crafts are very popular with our young teens, which resulted in the creation of two monthly programs—Crafternoon and No Talent Required Art Club. Both feature the instruction and creation of a new craft each month, with the latter having a brief overview of the famous artist or artistic style that was the focus that day. Our patrons are happy to tell us what they like, what they want, and what they can do without. It is by requesting and listening to that feedback that we continue to have success in programming. The number of volunteers grows every day, with a current roll call of 20 weekly volunteers and 60 on-call. In an effort to be fair to all who inquire about volunteer opportunities, I created an email contact list that I use when I have a one-time need such as helping the children’s librarians prepare a craft. These opportunities go just as quickly as the volunteer spots that are filled via Engaged Patrons’ registration. Although we have more volunteers than we have jobs, having a substantial contact list of capable and interested young volunteers gives me confidence in our ability to prepare for and host programs. (And shelve books, of course.) FROGs—Friends of the Gum Spring Library—was a dedicated group for the past ten years, an important part of the vision of the new library. Since we greeted our first (6,500) patrons on opening day, FROGs has grown not only in membership but in funds, giving us donations to cover the costs of programs and to hire presenters. The group hosted their first ever gala, raising funds and support for the library. The paint at Gum Spring Library has dried. No longer are we the new kids in town, unsure of our role in this growing community. We will continue to reach out to schools, organizations, and businesses in order to encourage partnerships and attendance. We will continue to give out library cards and extol the benefits of having such a card to anyone who walks through our doors. We will research new technologies to purchase to enhance patrons' experiences. We may not be new, but we will never grow old.