A New Chapter
ZELIENOPLE — Jan Lawrence has seen many changes at the borough public library under her watchful eye these past 28 years.
However, her watchful eye is now aimed toward enjoying her retirement.
Lawrence's last day as library director was Thursday.
“That's a long time,” Lawrence said. “When you think now, people don't stay at jobs as long. But it went by fast, I think.”
Family, friends, library officials and volunteers gathered Wednesday evening at the library, 227 S. High St., to wish Lawrence a fond farewell in what was informally called “Jan Lawrence Day.”
“Jan has been the anchor for this library,” said library board of directors President Gregg Semel. “I've known her only for a short while, but every time I come in, she is smiling.”
Lawrence was given a framed picture of the library with messages from board members on the back, as well as a gift card. Residents lined up to give Lawrence gifts and show their appreciation for her service.
“I loved working for her,” said volunteer Karen Cramer, who has been at the library since 2006. “She will be missed very much, but it's nice to know she'll enjoy retirement.”
Lawrence started at the library in 1990 and has commuted from Grove City ever since.
“I went through it (Zelienople) when I was younger when we would drive to Pittsburgh,” she said. “I was familiar with the town.”
In 1991, Lawrence was made the library's director. She said she was contemplating working either in the borough or in Saxonburg. However, she said she liked the Zelienople library's building better.
“Now, they (Saxonburg) have a wonderful facility,” Lawrence said.
She also described Zelienople as “a nice community” with “a lot of charm and grace.”
“Zelienople has stayed the same,” she said. “All memories I have here are favorites. I'm going to miss the people. I won't miss commuting, but I'll miss the patrons and the staff.”
Throughout her time as the library's director, Lawrence has overseen internal improvements and advancements for the library, which she calls “a community center.”
Some of these changes included incorporating electronic books, creating the children's library on the bottom floor, creating an adult reading area near the front of the building and creating the “Tomorrow Room,” which specializes in young adult reading material.
Lawrence however has also experienced challenges while at the library, such as a flood in 2010 and financial issues.“That (budget) was probably the most frustrating part of my job,” she said.Last year, Lawrence took a voluntary temporary layoff after the library faced a financial deficit. However, that changed in February after the library's deficit was erased by a donation from local resident Randall Hart and Lawrence was brought back in.Lawrence will be replaced by Maggie Boylan, who previously served as an academic librarian for the University of Arkansas, Virginia Commonwealth University and The Art Institutes.“I look forward to working with the experienced staff, board and community at large,” Boylan said.She received a commemorative stapler Wednesday evening as a welcoming gift from the library's board of directors.Library volunteers and employees said they will miss Lawrence, but also look forward to working with Boylan.“The first thing anybody would remember about her (Lawrence) is that she was very personable,” said adult services librarian Amy Kellner.Kellner has worked at the library for nearly 20 years.Children's services librarian Staci Bettencourt has worked at the library for about four years now. She said she has “learned a lot” from Lawrence.“She has been wonderful,” Bettencourt said. “I graduated with my bachelor's degree in library science and got this job immediately. I learned new things from her from these years of experience.”Lawrence said her retirement plans include watching her grandchildren, cleaning her house and traveling to the beach.“Put me on the beach with a good book and I'm good to go,” she said.
