The Deptford library’s children’s librarian will retire at the end of the year after 49 years of service.
Susan Kaback was the library’s first children’s librarian, starting work there on Oct. 18, 1974, according to Kaback herself.
“I only worked 20 hours a week from October to April of 1975, when the library’s director, Lois Greene, convinced the library board of trustees that she needed me to work full time,” Kaback recalled. “The library at that time, was located in the church building on Almonesson Road, where the Boy Scouts meet.
“We had to close the reference room downstairs when I had programs, and my office was in the bathroom,” she added. “The library had some branches and I traveled between them doing programs. Things became easier for me when the library moved over to its current location on Ward Drive. I managed to still do programs while the building was being renovated because I was able to use meeting rooms in the municipal building.”
Kaback also took charge of many of the library’s programs for kids, including the Lego Club; a craft hour; preschool story time; and Science Saturday with Miss Susann. Over almost five decades of service, Kaback met many kids and parents and worked with a variety of library staffers.
“I have met many wonderful children and parents over the years, and will miss that part of my life,” she acknowledged. “I have worked with many fantastic co-workers over the years, and I will miss seeing them each day.”
Deptford council and the library’s board of trustees will honor Kaback at a 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the municipal building.
“This certainly is an outstanding achievement to recognize and not have gone unnoticed,” said library President Dina Zawadski. “Loyalty in her commitment to fulfill this position for this many years is well deserved, and we are wishing Ms. Susan all the best in her next chapter of life.”
“We are proud to have such a fantastic employee who held this position for this many years. She truly is an asset to our library,” said Mayor Paul Medany. “Her shoes will be hard to fill.”
While Kaback says she’ll miss working at the library, she looks forward to the life that retirement will offer her.
“I will enjoy being home with my dog (Cannoli Harper) and my cat (Jasper), sleeping in, especially if it’s snowing, and volunteering at my church,” she noted. “I have loved working at the library and look forward to being able to visit for my own enjoyment.”
