As Pat Larrabee sat at her desk talking about her 35 years as the children’s librarian at the Walker Memorial Library, a young boy approached and asked her where he could find a certain book.
Larrabee interrupted her monologue and turned and pointed him in the right direction. It was a simple act, done attentively and patiently, and comes as naturally to Larrabee as breathing. After all, she’s done it for more than half her life.
All good things come to an end, however, and on Dec. 28 Larrabee will say goodbye to the kids, her coworkers, the library and the books. At 68 years old, she’ll be retiring.
Last Thursday at the library’s annual holiday open house, she was honored by the city and thanked for her years of service. Mayor Bruce Chuluda presented her a plaque. Many who worked with her spoke of her fondly.
Over the years, Larrabee said, she’s been able to watch children learn to read and grow, which has been one of the most satisfying parts of her job. She’s been able to help them develop as youngsters and foster a love of reading.
“Kids learn to walk here,” she said in an interview this week. “You see the kids grow and change … mature.”
She’s watched children grow up and have children themselves, only to bring them to the library like their parents did when they were young. That’s the good part, but also the sad part, she said, when the kids and their families she’s gotten to know move on.
In 35 years, Larrabee has also seen the library build an addition, which houses the children’s section, and watched as the computer age changed the way things were done.
“But I tell you what hasn’t changed,” she said. “The kids haven’t changed.”
And through it all, she has continued to love her work.
“I’m impressed with anyone who’s been doing a job for 35 years,” said Lynn Bivens, reference librarian. “But I’m especially impressed with Pat because she’s done her job for 35 years and she’s continued to enjoy it and be good at it.”
Last Thursday, Larrabee told 50 or so residents, city officials and library staff during the library’s annual holiday open house that she was thankful for her time with the city.
“It’s been a really good job, and I’ve enjoyed working in the city,” she said this week. “The city’s been good to me, and I’ve worked hard for the city.”
Friends and coworkers spoke of Larrabee as hard working and one-of-a-kind, a landmark at the library.
“As far as I’m concerned, she will be impossible to replace,” said former interim director Dianne LeConte.
Larrabee’s assistant, Virginia Switzer, said she was more than a co-worker, she was a friend. Switzer, of American Indian descent, shared a story of growing up in the Southwest, where her grandfather, who had a deep love and respect for nature, preserved bird feathers. Larrabee, who has a similar admiration for nature, preserved birds that she found in her yard and brought them into the library. Switzer said it reminded her of her childhood, and working with Larrabee was a great comfort. “I just feel like I came home,” she said.
Larrabee said she used to get the birds from her lawn after they would fly into the house. “We did save some of the dead birds that kamikazed against the window,” she said with characteristic humor.
While Larrabee is leaving the full-time job at the library, she will continue to be busy. She’s leaving something she has loved, but she’s also gaining more time for other things endeavors. A resident of Gray, she’ll have time to work more with the Cumberland Historical Society and Cumberland Farmer’s Association, of which she is a member. She’ll also be able to visit her grandkids in Pennsylvania and work with a cousin on a small antique business the two share.
Dori Hawxwell, who has worked at the library for 20 years and before that was an assistant to Larrabee as a high school student, wishes her well.
“I have worked with Pat more than half my life,” she said this week. “She has shared wonderful values and hobbies. I hope she continues to pursue her passions in life.”
Larrabee intends to.
“I’m sure I won’t be bored,” she said.
Long-time Westbrook librarian says goodbye
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