Library Manager Will Retire Aug. 31

By Rose Stauber

Marcia Austin, Grove Public Library manager, will retire Aug. 31 after 25 years of service, the last 16 as manager.

Friends of the Grove Public Library are hosting an open house from 11
a.m. to 2 p.m. that day and invite everyone to come by to thank Marcia for
her service and wish her well.

The Grove Public Library began in 1964 in a small room in the
Community Center sponsored by the Grand Lake Business and Professional
Women's Club. In 1970 the library became a branch of the Eastern
Oklahoma District Library System. Marcia began working there in 1982. Three
times additions were built onto the space in the Community Center. Marcia
recalls the times that the books were moved and rearranged.

Marcia recalls the next move when the city moved GMSA from the building on Elk Street and relocated the library into the GMSA building with
about 5,000 square feet. On Nov. 1, 1991, Marcia took over as library manager.
Again, the growing library began squeezing into every usable space in the old
GMSA building, while during rains the water came down through roof leaks.
It was in this building that computers were added for checking books in and
out, and then for public use.

The inadequacies of the building fueled Marcia's campaign for a
new library. It took many visits to then City Manager Richard Ball and
much other help until the city council finally approved building a new
library in 2002. Marcia and Mary Williams organized Friends of the Library and
began the fund drive to raise the money needed to supplement what the city
could provide. The Wall of Honor in the library recognizes the donations of
all sizes that made it possible to build the library.

The new 10,300 square-foot library opened at 1140 NEO Loop Jan.
5, 2004. The books had been moved again. Marcia is remembered as
stating that she would retire before the library needed enlarging.
Marcia has directed the Grove Public Library through a growth
period which has more than doubled the monthly circulation of the
library from 4,000 items a month to 11,000 a month. She has brought into the
library large numbers of VHS tapes, DVDs, and music CDs.
The library has eight public computers and two children's computers. Marcia has paid special attention to the needs of children and young people. The unique design of the children's area, the decoration, and the materials had her personal care. The added space in the new building has made it possible for special summer programs and a pre-school program.

The genealogical collection is known throughout the region
as a great collection for a library in a city the size of Grove. The
Delaware County Genealogical Society supports the collection and works in
coordination with Marcia.

During the tax season, the library supports the IRS
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program which provides free tax service to
hundreds of qualified taxpayers. Marcia has welcomed and made accommodations to
continue this program.

Of her coming retirement, Marcia says that she plans to enjoy
time with her children and grandchildren and enjoy life "doing things I
haven't had time to do for 35 years." Some of her favorite activities
include watching her grandsons at their sporting events, quilting, and
traveling when the opportunity presents itself.