LAC LA BICHE - Maureen Penn is getting set to begin a new chapter in her life after spending 15 years as the library director for Lac La Biche County Libraries ,and more than three decades in the industry.
When asked how it feels to be retiring after spending so long working with books and people, Penn replied by saying that it is “bittersweet.”
“I have enjoyed a career of over 30 years in libraries including public, school, and specialized,” she told Lakeland This Week.
On Thursday, Dec. 19, Penn will mark her retirement with a celebration set to take place at the Stuart MacPherson Public Library in Lac La Biche from 3-7 p.m. This farewell to her years of working in the system, Penn said, is something she is looking forward to.
For Penn, her departure from the library service will mean trading the cold winters of northern Alberta for the tropical beaches, sunshine, and lush forests of Panama. As to the allure of this Latin American country-which has coasts on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea-Penn says the lower cost of living and a slower pace of life is the big reason why she and her husband selected it as their permanent place to retire.
“The relaxing warmer weather will help improve our health and overall quality of life,” she said.
Reflecting on her career as a librarian, Penn says the most memorable moments occurred while she was working for Lac La Biche County Libraries.
These memories include the move of the library system’s main branch to its current location at the Bold Center, as well as the team of staff members winning three awards from the Public Library Services Branch. She also enjoyed being involved with innovative programs such as the annual Library Con event and the Bridgerton brunch.
Furthermore, she witnessed various technological changes throughout her career.
Library cards to computers
“During that time things have changed greatly from manual information searches which could take hours, the use of DOS databases replacing library card catalogs, and libraries becoming community hubs that they are today,” she explained.
As she’s enjoying her retirement, Penn plans to hone her language skills in the predominantly Spanish-speaking nation. She has committed to be a mentor for other library professionals.
While she spent decades working with books, Penn will be taking advantage of her departure from the library service to catch up on all the reading she never had time for.
As she prepares to turn a new page, Penn says there are some things that she will miss about being director of the local library.
“I will miss interacting with people, especially the team, both staff and board members,” she said.
