Ruth Hackett, left, is leaving the Saratoga Branch Library after 16 years. Ruth visits with Marilyn Pedersen, the executive director of the Carbon County Library System during a party held in Ruth's honor Monday. Ruth will be working with children at ExCel and HeadStart.
One of the accomplishments Ruth Hackett is proud of during her tenure at the Saratoga Branch Library is the Children's Corner. Ruth, with the help of Thelma Parlow, painted the murals.
The parking lot at the Saratoga Branch Library was full of cars during the noon hour Monday.
That was because after 16 years working at the Saratoga Branch of the Carbon County Library, Ruth Hackett is moving on.
She won't be going far, though, as she is the new special education aide for the ExCel and HeadStart preschools in Saratoga.
Ruth has seen a multitude of changes in the library system as it has grown to meet the technological and reading needs of the community.
When Ruth started in 1999, the library was open 20 hours a week and the hours were not uniform throughout the week.
In 2012, the hours increased to 36 hours with a more uniform schedule and Ruth became a full-time employee.
In 1999 there was one text computer for the public to use, now there are five public computers, two laptops and computers designed for children.
The library has increased the programs it offers with the help of the Carbon County Library in Rawlins.
The use of the library has increased over the years. When Ruth first started, 30 people through the library during they day was considered a busy day. Now, 60-70 people per day is considered a slow day.
"We have a lot more patrons," Ruth said. On a busy day, she sees 100 or more people visit the library.
When Ruth started at the library in 1999, she was a substitute, but after three days of training, she found herself as the main librarian.
She worked for Vicki Hitchcock for many years. Vicki was the Carbon County Library Director when Ruth started.
Back then, Ruth hand stamped the library cards. Now using computers it is more efficient and she can find books not only county wide, but statewide, too and is able to network with all of the libraries in the state.
"We process a lot more than we used to," Ruth said.
Her favorite part of working at the library is getting to know the patrons – knowing their likes and recommending new books to them based on their likes.
Ruth said she is looking forward to her new adventure and being able to spend more time with her grandchildren.
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