-
Outgoing Branch Manager Tracey Thomaswick led the Lumpkin Library for over two decades.
There was no shortage of smiles and appreciative hugs in the meeting room of the local library last Tuesday, as the Friends of the Library hosted a special retirement party for outgoing Branch Manager Tracey Thomaswick.
Thomaswick has led the Lumpkin Library for 21 years spanning two different locations.
“I started working here in November 2002 after moving here from Pennsylvania in September of 2002,” recalled Thomaswick.
Her long-term commitment to the community was reciprocated at the two-hour event, which boasted a stocked refreshment table and a large contingent of well-wishers.
“I didn’t think anyone would show up for this,” Thomaswick marveled as she entered the packed meeting room around 3 p.m.
After Thomaswick made her way around the room and thanked the attendees, Chestatee Regional Library Director Leslie Clark asked for the audience’s attention.
Clark introduced Regional Board Chair Robin Hall, who had a special presentation for Thomaswick on behalf of both the Regional and Lumpkin library boards.
SAYING THANKS
Hall began his remarks by recalling how he initially met Thomaswick.
“When I decided to move to Lumpkin County, my wife introduced me to PINES. The first thing I did when I moved here was come to this library to get myself a PINES card,” Hall said.
“The rest is history,” Thomaswick replied with a smile.
“Absolutely. And I got to know you better when I joined the library board in 2000-and-I-don’t-know,” Hall continued to laughter from the crowd.
“What struck me is how calm and collected you always were, and always with a smile,” he added.
“My family is right there going ‘What? Who are you talking about?’” Thomaswick joked.
Hall announced that the boards had gotten Thomaswick a special gift to remember her time here.
“We considered a gift card from Barnes & Noble,” Hall began, “but …”
“I never pay for a book,” Thomaswick quipped.
Instead Hall presented her with a large bag. Thomaswick pulled out a colorful quilt depicting a shelf full of books and audibly gasped.
“Oh my goodness!” she exclaimed.
Thomaswick read the tag on the quilt aloud: “In appreciation to Tracey Thomaswick, from the Lumpkin County Library Board of Trustees.”
“I am not a speech-maker, nor do I enjoy it,” Thomaswick said as her eyes began to tear up.
“But I would just like to say that every day at work was not like work. The people that come in here everyday have taught me so much and given me so many blessings that I don’t even feel worthy of all this attention, because I feel that I should be thanking all of you.”
WITNESSING HISTORY
Thomaswick told The Nugget that the biggest change she saw during her tenure at the library was the emergence and evolution of technology.
“It is important that libraries make sure that we are able to meet the needs of all of our patrons, all the while working with a finite budget."
Thomaswick said libraries have to manage a delicate balancing act, providing access to newer technology like e-books while not losing sight of the fact that “many folks count on the library for affordable materials like old-fashioned print books and magazines."
Thomaswick said that although the format and methods might change, it will always remain the library’s job “to equip people with access—to materials, to technology, to information.”
She said that she will miss the seeing the regular patrons of the library and the many local organizations that serve the community.
“I have learned so much about the community from them and have gotten to know so many wonderful people. I always tell people that I have the best job in the world—‘good books and good people.’ It doesn't get much better than that!”
Thomaswick thanked the community for all of their support over the years.
“Keep reading, keep coming to the library. And I’m sure I will see all of you here or there,” she promised.