Library director to retire

PINE PLAINS — Marguerite Hill has been a staple in her community for 41 years, ever since she took on a job at the Pine Plains Free Library in 1975. After 21 years as director, she now plans to retire.

A member of the Library Club in high school, Hill was somewhat familiar with the role of librarian. But little did she know that she would end up in a career at the Pine Plains Free Library.

“Everything began in the summer of 1975,” said Hill. “On a visit to the library, I was asked by the former director if I would be willing to substitute in the library.

“After a couple of months of helping out, the director at the time started calling me more and more to help out at the library,” she continued. “Eventually, I not only subbed for her, but I did other things. I covered the director’s vacations and covered while she was out sick, too. I kept gaining more responsibilities as time went by. This led to a part-time position at the library.”

By the time she became director, Hill said she had a good knowledge of how to run the library.

“When I took over, there were only a few things I never did like paying the bills, writing up the library report, ordering books and processing books,” said Hill. “At that time, the Mid-Hudson Libraries didn’t have a new directors’ round table like they have now, so I learned somewhat with the help of my colleagues and going through workshops and at meetings at Mid-Hudson.”

Hill’s passion for young literacy also attracted her. She recalled wanting to be an elementary school teacher, but life led her to the library.

One of her favorite roles at the library has been developing youth programs.

“I love my children’s program. I always believed in early literacy, so that’s one part that I made sure to develop,” Hill said. “When I decided to get into this job, it was kind of in my alley as far as elementary education went — I gravitated to it and I just started a love for it.

“Unfortunately, though, I have to say that with pre-k, my programming isn’t as strong as it used to be now that we have pre-schools and Astor early literacy programs. But, I still do what I can with my early literacy,” she added.

Having worked at the Pine Plains Free Library for nearly half a century, Hill has also witnessed lots of changes. The library now has more technology.

“We now have computers and technology that helps us provide a better service to our community,” she said. “We didn’t have all that at the time when I first started. There were no computers back then, and we didn’t have a website, of course.

“We automated our catalogue and circulation in 1995 when I took over as director,” Hill added. “I like to think I have helped bring the library forward throughout my tenure.”

Making the decision to retire was not easy. However, after a lifetime of serving the community, Hill found it time to take a break.

“I figured I had done this for long enough, and some of the stuff was getting overwhelming for me and I was just tired,” she said. 

“I decided it is time for someone else to pick up the gauntlet and go with it and bring something new to the library,” Hill said.

At the moment, the library is accepting applications for the director’s post. 

Hill is due to retire by Saturday, Dec. 31.