After 47 years of service, Elaine White is retiring from Murrindindi Shire Council’s Yea Library and Customer Service Centre.
Elaine was born and raised in Yea and left home at 18 to join the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF) where she trained as a technical librarian. In 1970, she returned to Yea and took up the position with, what was then, the Shire of Yea Library.
Almost half a century later, Elaine said she has loved every moment of being a librarian and she would miss chatting with the people who came in for their books and the library’s events.
“You get to know the people that come in here really well – you hear about the things that happen in their lives and about their families – and I’m going to miss those wonderful relationships,” Elaine said.
“I have loved getting to know what different borrowers enjoy reading and have often put books that I came across aside for people I thought might especially enjoy them. I think people liked knowing I was thinking about them and took notice of what they enjoyed.
“I’ve got plenty of things planned for my retirement, including catching up on my reading, volunteering at the Friends of the Library bookshop in Yea and paying some more attention to my garden,” Elaine added.
Murrindindi Shire Council General Manager Corporate and Community Services Michael Chesworth said in addition to her work with Council, Elaine has been a strong advocate for the Yea and District community in many other ways.
“Elaine’s involvement in the community has included the Yea Historical Society, the Friends of the Yea Railway, Yea Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve Committee, Rotary Club of Yea, and her work for the Yea Chronicle – to name a few!
Her contribution to the community of Yea has been significant and I have no doubt that will continue after she finishes up in her formal role.
“From all of us here at Council, we have appreciated Elaine’s contribution and we wish her the very best in her retirement,” Mr Chesworth said.
