Libraries today are much different than they were when Diane Gardenour first came to work at the Ingalls Memorial Library.
Gardenour, who started at Ingalls Memorial Library in 1988, has helped Rindge usher in a number of the changes that make libraries what they are today – most notably bringing computers and other technology into the library.
“The Ingalls Memorial Library has been my second home for the past 28 years,” said Gardenour, whose last day will be Nov. 10. “But a number of things have changed. I think it’s time for someone else to come in and take the reins.”
A retirement party will be held for Gardenour on Nov. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Gardenour has been employed at the library since November 1988, when she became the town’s children’s librarian, a position she held until she took the library director job in 1990. Prior to working at Ingalls, Gardenour had worked in the Merrimack school system as a room mother and librarian at the Mastricola Middle School library.
Among her most memorable moments at the library are the technology transition and her continued work with the addition on the library building.
“She really helped bring the library into the technology age,” said Board of Trustees Chair Karla MacLeod. “She has always worked really well with the patrons and is completely dedicated to the community. We will definitely miss her.”
MacLeod said the dedication to the community is one of Gardenour’s best attributes, especially given that she has commuted from Merrimack every day she has worked in town. Gardenour said she has lived in the same 1920s house since 1977.
Gardenour said that the change in culture at the library is one of her proudest achievements.
“When I came to the library, I had heard rumors that the library wasn’t as friendly as it could be,” said Gardenour. “I wanted it to be a welcoming place. I think I accomplished that in my time here.”
With retirement on the horizon, Gardenour said she won’t rule out some volunteer work at the library in Merrimack. Gardenour, who has two children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, said she is excited to have the opportunity to spend more time with family.
She will also have more time to devote to her hobbies, which include collecting silver spoons and stained glass ornaments, Japanese bunka embroidery, quilting, decorating cakes and gardening.
“I will be able to get a lot of projects finished now that I have more time,” said Gardenour.
While Gardenour is moving onto the next phase of life, she hopes that the next library director will continue the work she has done over the past two plus decades.
“It is a wonderful community to live and work in and I wish the next director much continued success and know the person will come to love the building and the people like I do,” said Gardenour. “I will have many great memories to look back on. I feel I am retiring at a good time in my life and hope to have many more years of fun reading ahead.”
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com. He is also on Twitter @nhandyMLT.