Cathlamet librarian resigns

Noreen Holten is retiring after 28 years as the town's librarian. An open house to celebrate her tenure is planned for January 9.

Librarian Noreen Holten has submitted her letter of resignation to the Town of Cathlamet after a 28 year stint at the Blanche Bradley Memorial Library.

Holten started as librarian in 1979 when the then librarian resigned to take a position at the school. For 10 years she ran the library when it was located at the current Bradley House site. In the late 1980s, the Bradley House was sold and the library relocated to a meeting room over Cathlamet Town Hall.

Holten helped supervise the overhaul of the space, had windows enlarged, a heat pump, a handicap accessible entry and a rest room installed. The library has occupied its present site for 18 years with constant upgrades and programs added. Holten says she is proud of the support the Town has given the library.

For the last 28 years the library has been run with one library director and the help of volunteers. The summer reading programs for kids and meeting all the new people who move to the area are several of the many highlights Holten mentions as particular favorites.

Three generations have passed through the library under her care and she follows many of these through their high school careers and beyond. She is an avid sports fan and a generous contributor to many causes in the city.

Holten admits to having an overdue book herself now and then but insists that she pays the appropriate fine and she even pays for a yearly library card.

"The Town and Library board deeply regrets the loss of this stalwart supporter, is grateful for her many years of dedication and hopes her recovery from a recent stroke is rapid and complete," said Mike McAvoy, chairman of the library board.

An open house for Holten is planned for January 9. More details will be available in next week’s Eagle.