By CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION (Beachburg) — Marilyn Labow is saying goodbye to the smell of books – in particular, those books in the Beachburg Branch of the Whitewater Region Public Library.
In October 1995, Ms. Labow began her librarian career. Twenty-two years, and two months later, she’s calling it quits.
When she began, the library was located where BeachWest Pharmacy is currently located. However, a year later, it moved to its current location after renovations were completed at Beachburg Public School.
The move occurred because the library was losing money as it couldn’t just survive off its provincial grant anymore, she recalled.
Ms. Labow was a volunteer for the previous librarian and, knowing someday she would have to retire, began taking correspondence classes through the South Ontario Library Courses.
“I paid for those courses out of my own pocket,” Ms. Labow recalled.
She also noted the first time she used a computer was at the library.
The library was always a busy place, and while it’s not as busy now as it was way back when, Ms. Labow said people still like to hold a book in their hands and read. Or, it could be to come in and use the computers, get some puzzles, check out a magazine, get a talking book, movies, or just to talk. But, there’s also the opportunity to get exercise, as the library is a lending hub for walking poles, she added.
“The people who use the library certainly appreciate it,” Ms. Labow said. “Books are expensive.”
Ms. Labow was also Chief Executive Officer for the library for 14 years, giving up the position a year ago, and is currently the treasurer, a position she’s had for the last 10 years.
While she won’t miss the occasional cranky person who comes in, Ms. Labow will miss talking with people, the kids, and picking out books for people to read. Along with the opportunity to check books out for people, Ms. Labow enjoys encouraging people to read other types of books as well as authors.
“I like to think I’ve helped foster a love of reading,” Ms. Labow said. “We need our libraries. There’s something about a smell of a book, the firmness of a book in your hands while you’re reading.”
To ensure she has a good handle on what’s popular reading, Ms. Labow is constantly checking daily newspapers, radio and television lists, as well as receiving various lists through the email.
“There are sites I can check to see who is publishing a book,” she said.
The Whitewater Library has received three Trillium grants, Ms. Labow said. In 2003 it was used to purchase children’s books; 2006 was to automate the library and in 2011 it was used for renovations to the Foresters Falls branch.
While Ms. Labow has many memories of her 22 years as the librarian, she recalls a certain one that occurred in 2006.
She received a phone call from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the person wanted to know if we were still using the card catalogue system, she recalled with a laugh.
“They couldn’t believe we were still typing up cards,” she said.
“That is a fond memory of mine.”
She has seen many children grow up and many of them still enjoy reading, which is special to her.
Ms. Labow doesn’t have anything set down in stone for retirement, but she has a few ideas.
“I want to go back to cooking proper meals,” she said. “Sometimes I’m not sure how he (Jim, her husband) eats when he comes home.
“We need to start taking better care of ourselves.”
Explaining, she said the hours at the library don’t always allow for them to sit down together and have dinner.
She’s also looking forward to going to the cottage and “not having to rush back” to work.
Ms. Labow has missed many events because they’ve occurred during library hours, such as painting classes.
“I have enjoyed being the librarian, but I’m also looking forward to doing my own thing.”
Ms. Labow’s final day is Saturday, Dec. 23.
The board will be hosting a meet and greet in the new year – an opportunity to say thanks to Ms. Labow and wish her well in her retirement and an opportunity to welcome the new librarian.
