WESTBROOK – When Karen Valley came to Walker Memorial Library in 2006, the library had four computers at a time when libraries were struggling to keep up with changes in technology.
Soon, the library will boast 28 computers, along with a growing arsenal of eReaders and iPads aimed at attracting a more youthful clientele.
At the library Tuesday, Valley was surrounded by co-workers, family and friends, on hand to celebrate her retirement after eight years as director and more than three decades as a librarian. Most had similar reactions to recapping Valley’s tenure.
“She brought us into the 21st century,” said Julie Peterson, Walker’s local history room curator who has served as Valley’s administrative assistant during her eight years. “She’s made computers accessible, and she’s really brought the library forward by being more progressive.”
Jen Alvino, the director of the Windham Public Library, and a former (and first) technical coordinator at Walker, said Valley began the push toward bringing in more technology.
“Increasing the total number of computers and devices was huge,” she said.
“What we’ve tried to do over the last eight years is make the library more viable for the community,” Valley said. “If anything, I want to see that continue.”
Valley said Tuesday that she’s looking forward to retirement, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
“Of course I’ll miss everybody here, but I’m really ready to move on and let someone else take the reigns,” she said, adding that she already has multiple trips planned.
However, Valley, a Westbrook resident, said she will still be involved in the community, and have a vested interest in how the library is operating.
Those celebrating Valley’s retirement shared the common sentiment of being sad to see her go, but excited for their friend.
“I think it’s going to be good for her,” said Judith Reidman, the chairwoman of the library’s board of regents. “I think she’s excited.”
Reidman added that the board is currently reviewing applications for Valley’s replacement, but has yet to begin formal interviews for the job. She said that an interim director will most likely be chosen for a period of no more than three months.
“Good for her,” said Fran Jenson, a longtime member of the library’s board of trustees. “We’ll have to go with the flow.”
In 2006, Valley came from the Portland Public Library, where she had worked for some two decades. She said that during that time, she went “through the ranks” as an office assistant in the children’s room, to technical assistant and eventually department head.
“I’ve had a wonderful run with libraries, both Portland and here,” she said.
Jenson and Reidman said that Valley’s departure follows a recent theme of longtime employees either retiring or moving on, but that they don’t necessarily see it as negative.
“We have some young staff, but a great staff,” Reidman said.
“It’s going to be hard shoes to fill, but it’s all change, we’ve had a lot of changes in staff,” Peterson added.
With Valley’s departure, a new era of the Walker library will be seen in more ways than one. The second and most substantial phase of a four-year renovation project to the original building is slated to be complete within three weeks. In early July, after work is completed, Walker employees will have new workspace, volunteer workspace and book processing area, as well as a kitchen, bathroom and break room.
Phase 2, which cost about $157,000, is part of a nearly $1 million project that has overhauled the historic building, which was constructed in 1894. The library celebrated its 120th anniversary this year.
Valley said that on her first day in 2006, there were buckets catching water leaking from the building’s roof.
“Eventually, we gutted it and this is what we have now,” she said, pointing to the library’s added-on ground floor section, which houses a children’s room and meeting room.
“It’s really a more vibrant and up-to-date library, and she’s done a lot in her tenure here,” Peterson said, referring to what the renovations have done to attract new patrons.
Kathy Blake, a member of the library’s board of regents, said that Valley has made the right decisions during her time in order to “push through” the final stages of the renovation.
Valley’s official last day is June 30, and Valley insists that regardless if the library’s renovations are finished, she’s handing over the job, however difficult.
“If they don’t finish it by then,” she said, “I might be right on their doorstep saying, ‘Let’s get this done.’”
Among those at a retirement party Tuesday for Walker Memorial Library Director Karen Valley, center, are library board chairwoman Judith Reidman, left, and local history room curator Julie Peterson. Valley is leaving the library June 30 after eight years at the helm. Co-workers have credited Valley with bringing Walker “into the 21st century.” Send questions/comments to the editors.
