After working in the Alachua County library system for 48 years, Darba Owens-Simmons retired as the senior library specialist at the Library Partnership Branch.
"It has been a pleasure working with you all," said Owens-Simmons.
Darba started at the Santa Fe Regional Library in May 1974. She began her career as a library page through the DCT (Diversified Cooperative Training) Program at Gainesville High School. The DCT Program helped students to find jobs in the community which gave them real world experience. During that time library pages weren’t considered permanent employees. The library paid half of her salary and the school paid the other part.
In 1986, during a merging of several area libraries, the Santa Fe Regional Library became part of the Alachua County Library District.
During her tenure with the Library District, Darba has worked at several locations. She was at the Headquarters Library in the Outreach Department, where she has worked on the bookmobiles, in Circulation Services, and Reference (now called Adult Services). She also spent time at the Tower Road Branch.
When the Library Partnership Branch opened in 2018, she was one of the first staff to work at this new branch. The Library Partnership Branch is a unique library not only for the Library District, but for the country. The branch shares space with the child welfare services group Partnership for Strong Families and features ample teen space with a Quiet Reading Room and a recording studio.
Darba has made a big impact on the Library District as she grew with the library. She started as a library page, then became a library assistant, as well as a library services supervisor, and ended her career as the senior library specialist. She retired after 48 years working with the library system in Alachua County. Her infectious smile and quiet demeanor will forever be missed.
“To all, I wish you the best and I’ll see you around.” Owens-Simmons said. “It has been a whirlwind, I am unable to express my feelings at this moment, but know that I will miss you all.”
On her last day Alachua County Library District Director Shaney Livingston presented Darba with a plaque honoring her years of service with the Library District.