Changing of the guard at Cathlamet library

On July 2, the library switched from one capable pair of hands to another.

Five years ago, Connie Christopher came in like a whirlwind, working hard with volunteers to bring more order to a library that Noreen Holten had given so much love to, by utilizing her own unique strengths.

Christopher wanted to build on the legacy that Holten left behind. Her philosophy is to always leave a place better than one finds it. Motivated by desire to provide excellent customer service, she moved the library into the 21st century, away from the outdated card catalogue and readying the collection for the automated system and website that is now up and running. One can’t yet check availability of a book, put it on hold, or renew it, but it won’t be long. For now, one may find library hours, policies, and learn about local resources on the website.

Now it is Carol Blix’s turn to build on her predecessor's gains to leave her own mark. She, too, will be leading with her own strengths.

Blix moved to Cathlamet in 1983, working for the school district as librarian and teacher. She studied art education at the University of Washington and went on to get a masters degree in Library Science. She retired from Wahkiakum School District this year and will turn her talents to the public library. She wants to expand the children’s department and programming. She already has a month long reading program in the works for August.

“I’m excited to use my training and experience,” Blix said. “I believe the library is a good resource for the town of Cathlamet and this end of the county.”

She hopes to make more services available for more people, to provide more information services and to educate people in information literacy.

Christopher plans to enjoy her retirement. She’s making travel plans to see the British Isles and dreaming of other exotic places.

Genealogy is another passion. She’s been working on that for almost 15 years and will be sharing her finds with family at a big celebration in 2015, the 150th anniversary of her family’s arrival in America. She’s going to spend time with friends and family and work on her house. She is excited for Blix to have this opportunity to run her own show.

“It’s an empowering experience,” she said.

She is grateful for a supportive board that shared a vision to make the Blanche Bradley Public Library the best it can be.

Christopher is glad she could get the community more involved in the running of the library.

Volunteers handled daily operations and worked on special projects. Library Foundation members raised money for the library, people turned out to help with the move to its temporary home. Other volunteers ran the children and teen programs.

“We have a far better library,” said Christopher, “than we could otherwise afford because so many community members believe in what the library stands for and are willing to give their time to make it a great place. During the five and a half years I worked there, we had nearly 10,000 hours of volunteer time donated by dozens of different people. Those individuals are a big part of why the library will move into the spiffy new space in a couple of months.”

One may check out the new library website at www.cathlamet.lib.wa.us.