By Andrew Carranza

Allied News Staff Writer



After 26 years of books, sweat and tears, Linda Bennett is finally retiring from Grove City Community Library.

“To be able to retire is a gift,” Bennett, 60, said. “I’m definitely going to make the most of it.”

Bennett, who will be retiring on Dec. 31, began her career at the library in 1984, when it was still located at 131 S. Broad St., where the Blue Ribbon Tavern is currently situated.

The former library was small and packed, not providing much room for residents to enjoy the facility.

“When I first took the job, I remember telling the library board members that I was not going to work when my kids got to high school a few years down the road,” Bennett recalled. “But obviously, things changed over the years.”

One of the first major changes for the library came in 1986 when it relocated to a new facility at 125 W. Main St., where it is today.

“We had been looking for a new place to expand and at the same time, the borough was also looking for a new municipal building,” Bennett explained. “Borough officials asked the library to be part of that new facility.”

The Grove City native said moving into the new building remains one of her favorite memories from her library career.

“The community really came together and it was a real inspiration to me,” Bennett said. “It was the clincher to see how important the library is to Grove City.”

Since that fateful move, Bennett said she got so involved at the library that she forgot her earlier comment to the board.

“I never imagined the library would be where it is today,” she said. “We’ve come a long way and I’m very proud of it.”

Bennett was instrumental in expanding the services offered at the community facility, including book discussion groups, author visits, family movie nights and the Bookworm Club for kids.

“I couldn’t have done it without the staff,” Bennett said. “It wasn’t difficult either, since we all love our jobs.”

When Bennett was hired, she was the only full-time staff member. Today, the Grove City Community Library employs three full-time librarians, as well as three part-time employees.

Bennett said she will miss the people the most when she retires.

“The library staff has been so wonderful over the years,” she said. “I’ll miss seeing everybody all the time.”

Fellow librarian Heather Baker, who is in charge of children’s programs, was hired by Bennett in 1987 and said she will miss her mentor.

“She’s been so wonderful,” Baker said. “She’s always given me freedom in my job and has always trusted my opinion. Because of her, we have a very successful library.”

Baker added that she has never had a bad experience with Bennett, even going back to her days as a library volunteer when she was 14.

“I’ve worked here for more than 22 years and all I have are wonderful memories,” Baker said. “(Bennett) is a great boss but she’s really more than that. The library truly is a family and she has been with me through everything.”

According to Baker, Bennett’s personality and knowledge of Grove City are what make her special.

“People would often come into the library and ask questions about Grove City and she would have all the answers,” she said. “She was so friendly and people would be drawn to her. She will be greatly missed.”

After her retirement, Bennett said she still plans to remain active in the Grove City community.

“I will still be involved with Grove City Rotary Club, as well as the special events committee,” which hosts Fall Fest and other events, she said. “There’s also lots of other things going on in Grove City that I hope to get involved with.”

Taking over for Bennett will be Jennifer Hermiller, who acknowledged that she has some big shoes to fill.

“I’ll be walking around with huge clown shoes,” she laughed. “But I think I’m up to the challenge.”

Hermiller, who moved to Grove City three years ago, has been involved with community libraries her entire life. She served in libraries across Ohio, where she grew up, as well as Foxburg, Pa., where she used to live.

Hermiller was hired as a part-time employee at Grove City Community Library last August before the full-time position opened up. She said it was a no-brainer to apply for the job.

“I wanted to get involved locally in Grove City and work in my own community with patrons who are also neighbors,” she explained. “If I can simply continue what (Bennett) started, we’re going to be just fine.”

One of Hermiller’s first projects will be the library’s expansion, during which several new wings will be added to the building.

“The library will continue to grow and develop as times and needs change,” Hermiller said. “It’s a very exciting time for the library.”

According to Bennett, expansion of the library is “absolutely needed,” as programs continue to grow and more and more residents continue to utilize the community facility. Plans are currently at a standstill, however, she noted, as the library’s board continues to wait to see if they will receive a state Keystone Grant to assist with expenses. The expansion project is estimated to cost about $600,000.

Bennett also said she plans to serve on the library fundraising committee, in case the grant money does not come through.

Looking back, Bennett said many things have changed for Grove City Community Library over the years.

“When we first started, we had everybody sign their name on cards whenever they checked out a book,” she recalled. “Eventually, we progressed to computer technology, followed by the Internet.”

One thing that remained common throughout the changes, however, was Bennett’s resolve to make Grove City Community Library the best facility it could be.

Bennett said she still plans to visit the library during her retirement.

“My husband, Bruce, and I will drop in every now and then to read the newspapers and magazines,” she said. “It’ll be nice to go sit down, relax and enjoy the library.”

If anyone has earned the right to do so, it’s certainly Bennett.



Published December 16, 2009 in Allied News. Pick up a copy at 201A Erie St., Grove City.