Colleen Hayden’s first position with the Innisfail Public Library was as a story time programmer. That was in August 1992. Next month, Hayden will be retiring after 19 years with the library, the last 15 years as its manager.
When the library manager position became available in 1996, Hayden was the assistant librarian and was approached to take the library manager’s position. She pondered making the step from assistant to manager and thought, “You hardly ever regret the things you do, but often regret the things you don’t do.” Hayden accepted the position and never looked back.
“I love so much of it- being around the people mostly,” she said about being the library’s manager. “I really enjoy ordering books and I get the opportunity to work with and meet so many amazing people.”
The position also provided her with the opportunity to learn about how public libraries were supported.
“All the work behind the scenes that you normally wouldn’t think of,” she said. “I learned a lot about the government structure and how it works to make libraries run smoothly.”
Hayden also has praise for the local government and service groups. “The town has been so supportive, and always been on board for library improvements and expansion,” she said. “And with the help of service groups those improvements have been able to take place.”
When Hayden first started as the story time programmer, the library only occupied the main floor of the current building. “The square footage was statistically down from other comparable communities,” she said.
In 1998 while upgrading the electrical wiring, Hayden noticed a window hidden behind the false ceiling panelling. “I had an idea for the now opened-up space,” she said, “and the Optimist Club came forward and put in the Teen Reading Loft.”
She recounted the next major expansion project. “The town applied for a 2000 Sponsorship Grant, and we were able to take over the upper floor and put in a handicap lift, and move the non-fiction upstairs.”
The expansion revealed that further upgrades were required. “The Rotary Club helped to replace the carpet,” she said.
The town’s service clubs and citizens continue to be huge supporters of the library. “The Rotary Club has been a big contributor to the new library,” said Colleen. “The Friends of the Library became a registered charity. They are now able to give receipts for donations and work casinos. The Friends also hold a biannual community fundraisers with entertainment and auctions.”
Hayden said the new library will be a wonderful facility in the community and well-deserved.
“The new building will be built as part of the community centre, specifically as a library. We haven’t had that before.”
Hayden has seen many changes in the way libraries operate over the past 19 years. “Computerization of libraries began in about 1994. Today patrons can go online and request books and generally manage their own account.” As well, the town’s library collection has changed. “Today we have more than just printed materials. We have audio books, DVDs and now e-books and e-audio books have been added to our collection.”
“Programs have been added,” said Hayden. “(We’ve) always had a pre-school program, but new over the years has been the Book Club, and in the last three years the Innisfail Public Library Film Circuit.”
Hayden also discussed how the day-to-day duties of library staff have changed over the years. “The accessibility to obtain books from any library, especially those in the Parkland Regional Library system, places a huge demand on our staff but has been wonderful for our patrons who can now get virtually any book they want.”
Though retiring, Colleen plans to keep busy within the community.
“I will remain involved through the Friends of the Library, the Film Circuit and the Book Club, as well as with the Henday Association for Lifelong Learning as a board member.” Her other plans include spending more time with her four grandchildren and do some travelling. “My husband retired four years ago,” said Hayden “So we hope to be able to travel without being so committed to a clock.”
She admits with a smile this may be difficult. “We are already booked for babysitting, but this is good as I want to get to know my grandchildren and spend time with them.”
Hayden said her most definite retirement plan is “to take life and each day as it comes and enjoy.”
When asked how she foresees the move from the old to new library she said, “I think it will be a smooth transition as we don’t have to put any of the materials in storage between moves.” Her original plan was that the new building would be ready before her retirement, but that was not to be. “I now think it is good that the new library manager will be able to organize things as she wants,” she said. “I look forward to using the new library as a patron and citizen of this community. It will be so awesome.”
