A familiar face will be missed by those regularly checking out novels, movies and CDs at the Okotoks Public Library.
Sixty-eight-year-old librarian Elvina Laboucane shelved her last book last week after retiring from her position as librarian – a job she started in 1988.
“I want to do other things with my life that I haven’t been able to do because I was working full time,” she said last week. “You get older and think of all the things you would like to do.”
Laboucane joined the library team when the facility was located on McRae Street beside the former town hall.
“I had raised kids for the last 15 years and thought I should do something to contribute to the finances,” she said. “It was exactly what I needed.”
In those days, the patron’s name and due date were written on a card inside each book that was checked out. A single computer in the building was used by staff to order books from the Marigold Library System twice a week.
“There was only two of us employed at that time and we thought we were really somebody having a computer in 1988,” she laughed.
Computers became a bigger part of the job when the library was moved to its currently location on Riverside Drive in 1991, said Laboucane.
“We again got new computers,” she said. “Everyone was biting their nails worrying if we would learn it. I liked the idea of learning new things like computers and stuff like that.”
Assistant librarian Lara Grunow, who has worked at the Okotoks Public Library for 14 years, said Laboucane has become the face of the library.
“She always had a smile and kind words for everybody that would come through,” she said. “She’s always wanting to make sure the library is giving to people what we need to give. She’s always the first one at the desk to help.”
This became evident when the building filled up with family, friends, volunteers and past board members wishing Laboucane farewell at a retirement party in her honour on Oct. 1.
“So many people know her,” said Grunow. “We’ve had people stop by throughout the week who knew it was her last week, dropping off flowers, congratulations and hugs. She’s a familiar face to the community.”
Laboucane has been a critical team player at the Okotoks Public Library, said Grunow, adding she’s going to miss her.
“It’s her time,” she said. “I’m really happy for her.”
Director of library services Tessa Nettleton said she isn’t surprised to see Laboucane head into retirement.
“This is a very physical job,” she said. “You pick up books, move trolleys and pick up boxes. She shared so much of her life with us already.”
Nettleton said Laboucane’s kind smile and helpful nature will be missed.
“It’s going to be very strange having her gone,” she said. “She’s been a really important part of the fabric of the library for years.”
Elizabeth Pitura, who met Laboucane at the Okotoks United Church and is a frequent visitor to the library, describes her as knowledgeable, polite, helpful and friendly, and wishes her well in her retirement.
“Retirement is a big adjustment and I know she will work through it,” she said. “I will miss her face. I hope she stays healthy and enjoys a happy retirement.”
Among Laboucane’s retirement plans are traveling with her husband and tackling projects around the house.
Yet, saying goodbye to her friends at the library last weekend was bitter-sweet.
“It’s just a big family,” Laboucane said. “I’m going to miss that the most.”
