Anna's Retirement and Library Director of the Year Celebrations

Submitted by Leslie Marinelli

Yesterday numerous staff (past and present), Library Board members, community members and leaders, GPLS leaders, and Anna's family gathered at the Cumming Library to celebrate Anna's retirement and Library Director of the Year award. 

It was a fabulous afternoon filled with delicious treats, beautiful decor, fond memories, raucous laughter, and even a few tears. Anna was tremendously touched by everyone's efforts and thoughtfulness. 

These few photos are just a quick snapshot of the two celebrations. Check out the full album for more!  Many thanks to Sara Baggett-Preston and Kaity Bowers for lending a hand with the photography.  

The food included some of Anna's favorite treats, such as lemon blueberry cake from Marie's Bakery and an ice cream bar. 

Countless people commented on the elegant decor, which included vintage books, vases filled with fresh flowers, a library-themed photobooth accessorized with an Oriental rug and an antique book cart, and the various "chapters" of Anna's life as told through printed notecards at each table. 

The card catalog-themed rolling board display was overflowing with well wishes for Anna. One of the GPLS leaders there told me he was definitely going to be "stealing" that idea for a future party! 

The entertainment committee created a video parody of "The Office" for Anna that was a welcomed source of comic relief after the very heartfelt remarks from Anna's direct reports and our Board Chair, Christy Winters. You can watch the video here.  

Anna inspecting Kim's infamous locket!

After the retirement party, Anna was honored by GPLS for being named the Georgia Library Director of the Year. GPLS Assistant State Librarian Angela Stanley presented Anna with the award and a check for $500 for the charity of Anna's choice, Mentor Me of North Georgia. 

So many people contributed to the tremendous success of these two events, it would be impossible to name everyone who played a role. Ann said everyone she spoke with yesterday was genuinely impressed by the attention to detail, the thoughtful touches, and the warm, inviting atmosphere our staff created. "You all exemplified how we do things at FCPL with care, excellence, and heart. Even GPLS, our local community, and dignitaries got to see just how amazing FCPL is when it comes to putting on an event."

Our Board Chair, Christy Winters, was equally moved by the events yesterday. "I was so impressed with Anna's retirement party and celebration for Library Director of the Year! You all did an AMAZING job (like you always do)! The decorations, hilarious video (what a highlight!), food, photo booth, card catalog, and personal touches were thoughtful and detailed. Thank you for all of the time and hard work that went into pulling off two large events back to back. You all make it look easy, but I know that it isn't. Please pass along my appreciation to all involved."