Long time school librarian bids adieu

Jan 08, 2009

Sherri Whan & school librarian Glenda Young.

After 30 years as the resource centre’s educational assistant at both Hinchinbrooke and Land O’ Lakes public schools, Glenda Young has decided that it is time to move on.

So, after Christmas she quietly informed both schools that she would not be returning in January. “My husband has been retired for 3 years and has been encouraging me to do the same and I also wanted to leave before I became unable to do the job properly,” she said when interviewed last week.

The job has kept her busy for the past 30 years and some of her many tasks included regular class visitations and readings, maintaining the library resources, various administration duties, and assisting both students and teachers in locating relevant teaching and study materials. She also worked one on one with specific groups of students.

While she found the job challenging it was also a very rewarding one. “The kids really enjoyed being read to and would often ask, ‘When are you coming in to read to me?’ I loved seeing their eyes come alive when I would read to them,” she said.

Like any other job, hers also had its challenges. Making time to do the administrative side of the job was always a balancing act.

Glenda is confident to be leaving her job in the trustworthy hands of Sherry Whan of Sharbot Lake. Whan, who has worked for the past 9 years as an educational assistant with the Northern Learning Program at Land O’ Lakes P.S., will be taking on the position at the two resource centres at the schools as soon as her current position at Land O’ Lakes has been filled.

She looks forward to her new role and admits that it will be a nice change.

“I work with a wonderful staff and administration and I will also have Glenda’s support,” she said.

As far as keeping herself busy Glenda will be keeping her position as librarian 3 days per week at the Parham Public Library located at Hinchinbrooke P.S. She looks forward to having the time to read all of the books she has handled in the past but has not had time to read. James Patterson mysteries are at the top of her list.

She is also planning a trip down south this winter. “I want to travel while I am able to,” she said.