Another longtime Freeport library employee is retiring.
Vicki Lowe, who began at the old B.H. Bartol Library in 1972 and has spent much of her time in the Freeport Community Library history room, will spend her last day on the job Dec. 31.
Library Director Beth Edmonds, who started at Bartol Library in 1982, announced two weeks ago that she will step down on Feb. 5.
Library staff and friends joined Lowe, a lifelong Freeport resident, for a farewell holiday tea last Wednesday.
“I am looking forward to spending more time with my husband, John, who has been retired for many years, and with my grandchildren,” Lowe said Friday.
Lowe, 70, recalls living on Royal Avenue and walking to the old library all the time. She will be no stranger to the Freeport Community Library following retirement.
“I have loved, loved, loved the library and I’m truly going to miss it,” she said. “As a person who loves to read, I will visit frequently.”
Lowe said she loved spending time in the Bartol (history) Room. There, she helped people learn about family histories, and she also worked on two historic preservation projects.
Edmonds said that Lowe’s knowledge and love of Freeport people and their history is “unparalleled.”
The town has been fortunate to have her services.
“She has handled every book in the adult collection and has especially been key in developing the audio book collection,” Edmonds said.
Recently, the library established the Vicki Lowe Maine Book Fund, to purchase new Maine nonfiction for its shelves. Those interested in donating can speak to a library staff member or mail a check to Freeport Community Library, 10 Library Drive, Freeport, ME 04032-1422.
Longtime friends turned out at the Freeport Community Library last Wednesday for a holiday tea in honor of retiring librarian Vicki Lowe. From left are Bridget Healy, Lowe and Mary Eliza Aengren.Send questions/comments to the editors.
