Hall library director retiring

GAINESVILLE - The director of the Hall County Library System has announced plans to retire.

Susan Stewart says she plans to step down May first.

Stewart became the first director of the newly formed Hall County Library System in July 1997 and will be moving to Marietta, where her husband has a new job.

"It was my intent to retire in Gainesville from the Hall County Library System and make this my last professional position; I simply did not plan for it to be this soon," said Stewart. "My husband has accepted an excellent position in Cobb County, and I want to join him in Marietta as soon as possible. After working 30 consecutive and interrupted years in Georgia libraries, I believe it is time for me to take a break and refocus in my new community."

Stewart came to Hall County Library System following the bitter and contentious separation form the Chestatee Library System. Stewart previously worked as the library director at Chattooga County Library System in Summerville. She also worked in college and school libraries in Georgia.

"I am so proud of the accomplishments made at Hall County Library in the last eight years," says Stewart. "We have gone from one of the most troubled library systems in Georgia to one that is respected statewide. I feel that I am leaving the system in the best condition it has known, and this is through the cooperative efforts of a progressive library board, a hard working Friends of the Library group, a supportive Hall County Commission, a supportive legislative delegation, and the best staff and patrons one could have."

In the last eight years, the library system has gone from an outdated book and reference collection to a current and useful collection of items. The library system has gone from three public computers to 130 and two modern computer labs. Wireless access has been implemented and renovations and repairs have been performed in five facilities. A new South Hall Branch is being planned. Services for the special needs and handicapped population have been revised and improved and a new location at Rabbittown offers greater access to special services. Libraries will now be beneficiaries of impact fees for buildings and books. The library also introduced new reference sources, an excellent audiovisual collection, and recently a digital audio book collection was introduced.

"I wish to thank the Hall County Library Board, the Hall County Library staff, and the citizens and residents of Hall County for the privilege of serving as your library director for the last eight years."