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February 29th is a rare day in that it only appears on the calendar once every four years.  It is also a strangely bittersweet day for the staff and patrons at the Hales Corners Library.  This year, February 29th marks the end of Circulation Supervisor Barbara Nahey's 26 year career with the library and the beginning of her happy retirement. 

Before I get into how terribly unhappy the staff is that Barb is leaving (which, actually, isn't all that unhappy as we are still in denial that she's even leaving), let's go back to Barb's start with the library.  Barb was hired on her birthday May 18,1981, as a desk clerk working 9 hours a week.  What made Barb decide to work at the library?  "My husband opens up the newspaper and starts reading.  He tells me, 'You can work at the school in the lunchroom, as a bus driver, or the library is hiring.'  I chose the library." 

In 1981 the library was housed in a church on Highway 100 across the street from Sentry.  The staff and the collection were smaller than they are now.  Today, all five desk clerks share the task of processing new materials.  However, the volume of new materials when Barb started was small enough for her to take on the job of processing all of the adult and children's materials by herself.  "I remember moving from the church to the new building and thinking how much room there was.  I thought we'd never fill it and now we're busting at the seams!"  The library has definitely grown since 1981.

Something that has stayed the same, according to Barb, is the friendly staff the library has been known for.  "We've always been very welcoming."  Barb adds that, "I always think it's nice that we have patrons who come from out of county and purchase the $100 fee card just so they can use our library."  I would venture to guess that a big reason why patrons go to such lengths to use the Hales Corners Library is because they get to visit with Barb and hear her book recommendations. 

Barb's position within the library also changed over the years.  From 1994-2004, she was the Circulation Coordinator and she became the Circulation Supervisor in January of 2005.  Barb says, "I've always loved working at the library because it's the best of both worlds.  I get to do office work and work with the public, not just one or the other." 

The people who make up the Hales Corners Library are also a part of Barb's job that she appreciates.  "I will miss the people the most, both the staff and the patrons."  The patrons and staff will also miss Barb, more than we can even stand to think of right now.  As much as we will miss seeing her and working with her on a daily basis, we also wish her all the best on her well-deserved retirement.  So, on a final note, I'd like to quote a little known author by the name of Dr. Seuss and say, Barb, "Congratulations!  Today is your day.  You're off to Great Places!  You're off and away!" (but you better come back every once in a while). 

In honor of Valentine's Day, Ms. Susie and her storytime children decorated heart-shaped shortbread cookies with frosting and M&Ms.  Each child also brought Valentine cards to share with each other.  The kids beamed as they received and gave their Valentines and a blast was had by all!

In a shocking turn of events, a goldfish thought to be carrying eggs quietly passed away on Friday, February 7.  Several weeks prior to its demise, Ms. Susie noticed that the fish had strange bulges on either side of its body.  Library staff speculated as to what was causing the bulges.  Some theories included that the fish either had tumors, had swallowed a few rocks, or that it was carrying eggs.  The most plausible theory appeared to be the egg theory as the fish did not appear ill or uncomfortable.  However, the fish did not receive an autopsy and the cause of death may never be known.

Fittingly, the person who first spotted the fish’s health issue was also the person who found the corpse.  Ms. Susie held a private ceremony for the fish in the women’s rest room at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, where the fish received a burial at sea and a 21 flush salute. 

Readers will remember that only weeks ago Ms. Susie and staff member Kristen saved the life of another fish in the library’s fish tank.  However, the joy which that event brought was short lived.  The passing of the fish on Friday marks the first casualty in the fish tank in over a year. 

The surviving fish show no outward signs of grief; however, the staff at Hales Corners is presuming that the fish are struggling with an unimaginable degree of inner turmoil at the loss of their friend.  The fish tank and our hearts are all a little emptier.