Library staff celebrate 45 years

Retreat library staff and patrons celebrated 45 years of service to the communities of Retreat and beyond with much festivities, joy and laughter.

The group got together on Thursday August 22 and reminisced about the good old days and how the facility had become a safe haven for many who needed one.

Familiar face Sharon Adams, who had been at the library since the 1980s and has since retired, said it wasn’t always easy especially in the 80s when there was so much unrest during Apartheid.

“Later on there was more social unrest like gangsterism and anti-social behaviour and it also had an impact on the library but the need for the library was always there and we always tried to provide our community with the best service possible - even under difficult circumstances.”

Senior librarian Kathleen Bailey, who has been at the library for 23 years, said there was much development of the library which had to “move with the times”.

As the years passed programmes were added to make it more fun and interesting for children and to keep them reading as technology and phones took centre stage, said Ms Bailey.

“Our doors are always open and we are ready to help because we know the library has been and is a safe haven for many children so we welcome everyone, offer a meal sometimes and have lots of programmes for them to choose from,” she said