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(Submitted photo/Penny Markland)
37 Years

‘It’s been a great place to work’: Markland retiring after 37 years with Melfort Public Library

May 27, 2021 | 3:00 PM

After 37 years, the Melfort Public Library’s Head Librarian is retiring.

Penny Markland has spent the last 17 years as Head Librarian and said now was the right time to leave.

“I still love the job a lot,” Markland told northeastNOW. “But I think you should probably stop while that’s still the case, so that’s what I’m doing.”

She added that a big reason she continued to work at the library for so long was the staff and people she worked with on a daily basis. Markland said they have a close work family.

“It’s just been a great place to work,” she said.

Markland started when she was 24 and said it’s always been a flexible job while she raised her children.

Over her 37 years, Markland said she’s proud of what was accomplished at the library, including renovations inside and out of the facility.

“We’ve just done a lot to keep the library modern and up to date and changing with the times,” she said.

Markland said she’s happy to see that the library has become such an important part of the community.

As for what’s next, Markland said she will stay on as a substitute when needed, but right now the plan is to enjoy the summer and then possibly travel.

“I’ll be busy in the garden and in the yard and going to the lake and that kind of thing,” Markland said. “So, I’m hoping that will keep me from missing it too much until the fall and then we will see.”

Thursday, May 27 is Markland’s last day at the Melfort Public Library.

mat.barrett@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @matbarrett6