Sandy Helm, longtime Assistant Librarian/ Children’s Librarian at the Chandler Public Library is retiring Jan. 23.
The library staff and board are having a small reception for Ms. Helm after Story Time at 10 a.m. on Jan 17 in the Community Room of the Library.
All those she has assisted during her tenure, and particularly those adults and children who have been involved in Story Time or the Summer Reading Program are invited to attend.
When asked what her favorite things about her job were, she related, “I love the people – the people who come in, the people I work with, and I love helping people find their book!” She has been at the library for 23 years including a short term as part-time, so there have been many people to meet, and many books to recommend.
One of her specific responsibilities has been Story Time and the Summer Reading Program. When asked about those programs, she stated that the “hugs she received from the kids were better than any paycheck!”
Through the years she has done programs including a Summer Reading Program on Oklahoma in 2007 during the Oklahoma Bi-Centennial, which was her favorite program. She also really loved doing the program on Art. In 2010 she had her largest group of children in story time, both preschool and homeschooled children. She recalls that being the most enjoyable time during her Story Time years.
Retirement plans for Ms. Helm include being involved with her family, specifically her eleven grandchildren, eight of whom are involved in sports activities. She is also planning on doing community service and volunteering, and generally enjoying life.
Her position will be filled by Carla Hale, who has begun trying to learn 23 years’ worth of knowledge in a few weeks. Ms. Hale shares that she is very excited about this position, calling it her “dream job,” and looks forward to some new opportunities that are currently in the works.