PHOTO: Marilyn Labow, who retired after 22 years as a librarian at the Beachburg Public Library, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Township of Whitewater Region. Attending the presentation were, from left, library board CEO Debbi McLaughlin, Ms. Labow, board chairperson Gwen Bennett and Whitewater Region Mayor Hal Johnson.
WHITEWATER REGION — Marilyn Labow was honoured by Whitewater Region council at its council meeting last night.
She retired as librarian of the Beachburg Library on Dec. 31, 2017 after 22 years. Along with being the librarian, she was also Chief Executive Officer and treasurer of the Whitewater Region Public Library board for many years.
Prior to presenting Ms. Labow with a Certificate of Appreciation, Mayor Hal Johnson said the residents of the township appreciated her 22 years of exemplary service.
“My goodness sakes, that’s a long time to put up with all the people who come in and out of the library and all the things you did,” he said.
Ms. Labow said there have been many changes in the library since she began, from typing up the individual cards for the books as well as for the card catalogue, to computers.
“I got onto this PC and it was wonderful,” she recalled. “I went home and said ‘Jim, we have to have one.’
“Now we each have our own laptop and sit in the livingroom on our own laptops, which is so much fun.”
She appreciated the presentation and said the library is in good hands with the current board members and librarians.
“I’m enjoying retirement,” Ms. Labow said. “It’s been three weeks.”
On Saturday, the Whitewater Region Library Board hosted a ‘Welcome and Goodbye’ event at the Beachburg Library. It was a chance for patrons to thank Ms. Labow and wish her well in her retirement. It was also a chance to meet Laurie Patterson, the new librarian.
A second presentation
Mayor Johnson also presented members of Squadron 427with certificates of appreciation. Check out next week’s issue of Whitewater News to read why those certificates were presented.
