After 15 years, Keith Michael Fiels steps down from the Association. He sat down with American Libraries Editor and Publisher Laurie Borman on July 27 to talk about his future plans, how he got into librarianship, and how he would like to be remembered.

What plans do you have for retirement?

My game plan is to get a studio and do some painting. I have put this aside for many years—maybe since grad school. Lately I’ve been doing a little bit of work in en plein air oils. I like to have an easel in the back of my car and just see Illinois and other places. I’ve got a lot of ideas. Also, I have eight novels either started or finished. The ones that are started need to be finished; the ones that are finished need to be started. I’m going to spend September in France. I have rented an apartment in Paris and a house in the Dordogne, and I’ll be staying with French friends in Brittany. I look forward to knowing that I don’t have to worry about coming back to work. There’s something special about that.

Read full interview here