It’s difficult to know where to begin when talking about Ljubica Milicevic.

How do you capture the essence of someone who radiated so much beauty, insight, and generosity? How do you honour a soul whose very presence lifted others, whose intellect was matched only by her compassion?

Ljubica—beloved librarian, author, artist, gardener, mother, partner, and friend—left this world far too soon. On Saturday, May 10th, a tragic accident took her from us: a falling tree branch caused severe head injuries that she could not survive. The shock of her passing has left a wide and aching chasm in the hearts of all who knew her.

There are words we use in the aftermath of such loss: devastation, trauma, grief, disbelief. But Ljubica was not someone who would want us to dwell in the darkness. She was an eternal optimist—gentle, luminous, always looking forward, always reminding others that “good things are coming.” So today, even in our sorrow, we remember her through the light she offered so freely. Through her laughter, her brilliance, her creativity. Through the way she lived—with passion, with love, with purpose.

It was a wonderful honor to receive the ABQLA’s Professional Development Award. It opened the door to many opportunities for me to continue my training and development as a librarian. I took great care to carefully select the training that would benefit me in my career. Although I considered many conferences and courses, I ultimately opted to spend my award on a training specific to my current position.

I was lucky enough to find myself in a new role at the library where I served as a Youth Service Librarian. Despite my year of transition learning from the knowledgeable Eddie Paul, who served as the Head of Learning & Library Services at the Jewish Public Library, there were still a few gaps in my knowledge.

Technology advances very quickly in today’s world and I am by no means an expert. I still remember helping classmates use the card catalogue in my elementary and high schools before computer catalogs became the norm. My love for cataloguing is no secret but navigating library systems does not come naturally to me. I became well-versed in cataloguing using SirsiDynix Symphony software. What became a problem once my role changed to administrator, was my comfort running reports.