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Farewell, good friends

Thu, 10/23/2014 - 7:00am

I just left a meeting with the library’s programming committee, which ran a little longer than my empty stomach wanted it to, but we accomplished a lot and that felt good, a “fulfilling” meeting, if you will.

The programming committee is run by Barb House, our trusty, long-time program director. It was a bittersweet meeting though, because it was Barb’s last; she is retiring from the library effective Friday, Oct. 24. If you see forlorn faces on staff and volunteers over the next few weeks when you visit the library, that’s why. She will be sorely missed.

Barb began her work here exactly seven years ago in October 2007. She has dedicated herself to exploring how best to serve the information needs of our library users through innovative programming for both youth and adults. Working closely with Children’s Librarian Mary Pinkham, Barb has developed and expanded such fun and enriching programs as the very popular Father-Daughter Dance, and the annual “Tea” for girls, as well as the long-time favorites such as the Halloween Parade and Chalk Art on the Hill, among many others.

For adults, year after year Barb has put together outstanding Literary Luncheon programs, inviting the best Maine authors to present their latest books for discussion while attendees enjoy lunch and socializing. The annual Adult Spelling Bee and special programs such as Money Smart Week, among many others, have added significantly to what the library offers to one and all.

In addition to her primary responsibility as program director Barb became, willy-nilly, our expert technology go to person for both upkeep and emergency assistance when that waiting-to-happen computer malfunction does happen. I say “willy-nilly” because one day our wireless network went down and Barb unplugged the wireless modem and plugged it back in and voila — we were back up and running! Thus, Barb became our technology guru.

Explaining her decision to leave, Barb said: “I definitely have mixed feelings about leaving because the people here are wonderful to work with, the trustees have been extremely supportive and the work is flexible and varied, keeping it interesting and challenging at the same time.” Thank you, Barb, for being a great colleague and always giving it 110 percent!

On another sad note we received news of the passing of Linda Barter, our long serving head of the Circulation Department, who had retired just one year ago. Linda managed the desk for over 25 years and was well known to all our visitors for remembering their library card number if they couldn’t recall it. We sure will never forget you, Linda. May you rest in peace.