BRASHER FALLS – The Badenhausen Public Library bade a fond farewell this summer to Tina Hartigan, Director of the reading room and, more recently, the library. 

When asked about the future of the library upon her retirement, she said, “My wish for the library has always been for it to grow in services, for the employees to grow in knowledge, relationships and community service. I am passing the baton to a new team to carry out those visions and more.” Tina was an integral part of the transition from the reading room to the current status as a chartered public library.

As Tina was moving into retirement, the board of trustees advertised the director’s position and appointed Laurel Murphy as the new director of the library. Laurel has had many years of experience working in libraries, most recently as director of the Hepburn Library of Norfolk. She served as president of the board of trustees of the Badenhausen Reading Room and, like Tina, was involved in the transition to a chartered public library. “Libraries provide essential opportunities and services to residents. I’m excited to continue my involvement with the library and the community in my new capacity as director,” Laurel stated.

The Board of Trustees also recently hired LeahBeth Guerard as a part-time library clerk. She is currently completing her studies in Library Sciences at St. Lawrence University.

In addition to the new hires, the board also approved new hours of operation for the library. The new hours, which went into effect after Labor Day are:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday and Saturday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed on Fridays until Memorial Day when the library will be open on Fridays but closed on Saturdays.

“We needed to extend the open hours of the library to comply with the requirements of our charter and felt that this schedule would meet the needs of our patrons,” said Board President Donna Kuhn.