Linda Baker has spent more than two decades sharing her affection for literature as the children's service coordinator and more recently, the children's librarian at…
Linda Baker has spent more than two decades sharing her affection for literature as the children’s service coordinator and more recently, the children’s librarian at Burton Public Library.
Patrons will have a chance to share their appreciation for Baker — affectionately known as “Miss Linda” — at her retirement party from 6:308:00 p.m. April 22 in the children’s room at the library.
“We have so many wonderful patrons walk through the doors of the Burton Public Library,” Baker said. “It is a joy to share in their lives and interests and it has been a true privilege to touch the lives, even in this small way, of so many families over the past 23 years.”
Born in New York City and raised on Long It’sland, Baker lived in rural Connecticut and rural Massachusetts before moving to Burton in 1991.
She has been married to Andy Baker for 40 years, and has two grown children who graduated from Berkshire High School.
“After moving to Burton from Massachusetts, I applied for a part-time circulation clerk position at the Burton Public Library, thinking it would be a good way to meet people,” Baker said. “I had been a preschool teacher before moving to Ohio and when Library Director Carol Varga saw that on my resume, she asked me if I would rather be an assistant in the children’s department. I said sure.”
Burton Library’s adult services librarian Paula Wagner has known Baker for three years, and considers her a great mentor and friend.
“Miss Linda loves the children and families that she serves,” Wagner said, adding she spearheaded many of the 100th anniversary events in 2010.
“She is hardworking and enthusiastic,”?she said. “She has served generations of families in her storytimes and programs. She always keeps things fresh and evolving and watches for new trends.”
Five-year-old Laney Higgs has been going to the library with her mom, Heather Higgs, to get books, participate in library programs and storytimes with Miss Linda since she was 9-months old.
“She’s one of my favorite librarians because she’s worked at the library for a long time,” Laney said, whose favorite books are non-fiction.
“She always knows the kind of books Laney likes,” Heather added.
Baker gets youth excited about the library and about reading, Wagner said.
“She has built lasting relationships with the children and their families and with Burton Elementary (School) and the preschool,” she said.
Baker said some of her fondest memories definitely include the children’s programs.
“I love doing storytimes for the early childhood crowd and we have done some amazingly creative programs for the elementary-age kids over the years,” Baker added.
She admitted a fondness for 99-year-old award winning children’s author Beverly Clearly’s “Ramona” character.
“She is a spot-on child with the realistic logic and temperament of a 6-year-old,”?Baker said.
Baker won’t be leaving the Burton community and will continue her involvement with the Burton Congregational Church where she enjoys singing in the choir and volunteering, and is looking forward to
spending time with her granddaughters — a new grandchild is due in June.
“The Burton Public Library has been in existence for 105 years now and will continue to be a mainstay of our community,” she said. “Every once in awhile I feel a little sad about leaving the library, but I know it is in the good hands of caring librarians and support staff.”
Wagner encourages the community to attend “Miss Linda’s Retirement Party to hug Linda, thank her and have some cake.”
“Seriously, I think it’s important to transition the little ones by letting them say goodbye during such a happy celebration,”?she added.
