In her 26 years at the Elizabeth Taber Library, Director Judie Kleven has made it her mission to ensure the small town library is a welcoming place for everyone - from those who prefer to comb the book stacks to those who would rather download books digitally to their Kindles.

After years of keeping up with countless titles of books, sharing stories, and bringing the library into the digital age, Kleven has announced her retirement effective in June.

“The best way to retire is to know what is to come next. I’d like to get more involved with other activities. It’s good to retire while you’re still able to do things. Things are in place. It’s time to let go of the reins,” Kleven said.

Born and raised in a small town in New York, Kleven said her move to Marion in 1987 was a return to a familiar setting.

“Everyone who comes in the door brings a surprise,” she said. “They usually have a story for me. What touches me the most is that they want to share it with me. I consider it such an honor. They know who I am and they knew I would care. Happiness goes around in circles.”

Before she arrived in Marion, Kleven earned her master’s in library science from Columbia University in New York. Her husband Alan worked for General Electric, which kept the family on the move for many years. As a result, Kleven has worked in libraries all over the country – from New York to Connecticut to Michigan.

When she joined the staff of the Taber Library, Kleven was tasked with modernizing the library. Soon, gone were the days of librarians handwriting slips for every title. Now that the library has gone digital, Kleven said titles can be found with a few keystrokes. The Marion library also has 90 other libraries with which to track and share works.

“Suddenly, the catalogue was online and a whole new world opened up,” Kleven said.

That new world includes digital downloads for Kindles, iPads, and mp3 players.

“We have the same services. You can read Kindles or books - whatever your preference. Personally, I believe the changes will be slow but steady. The challenge to libraries is to keep up. It’s hard to be sure where to spend the money,” Kleven said.

Additionally, Kleven has opened up the library to residents' four-legged companions. With "Puppy Patrons," residents can acquire a library card for their canines. There is also the wall for pets, on which people can post their favorite animal photos.

Over the years, Kleven said she and her staff have become a family.

“We really help each other out,” Kleven said. “It’s like a ship. Each person has a specific talent and a job. We depend on each other to keep the ship afloat.”

Thus, her retirement is bittersweet, she said.

As for the next chapter of her life, Kleven said she would like to continue and become more involved with her work with St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Marion, foster care for cats, and visits with the elderly.

In the meantime, the library’s Board of Trustees has formed a search committee to find her replacement.

“The best librarians are the ones that read constantly,” Kleven said.

Given her experience, Kleven said the best advice she can offer the next librarian is not to be afraid of changing with the times.

“We’re on the cusp of changes,” Kleven said. “I’ve done the preparation. The next librarian can build on a firm foundation. It’s the only place in town that you can come in, not buy a thing, and stay. We encourage people to just come in and sit.”