The Derby Public Library has changed a lot over the past 35 years. In 1989, the library was located in a small building at 621 N. Derby. Patrons searched for items the old-fashioned way with a physical card catalog. Library staff sent interlibrary loan requests via mail and were limited to the items indexed on six compact discs. E-mail and Wi-Fi were things of the future. In 1989, something wonderful happened that changed the future of Derby Public Library for the better.
What was that momentous event? June 5, 1989, Debbie Thomas started working at the Library. She was hired as a summer page, filling out her application with a blue magic marker when a pen couldn’t be found. This job was intended as a temporary position as her full time job was director of Rose Hill’s latchkey program. However, at the end of the summer, she was asked to stay on as a parttime circulation and technical services clerk and she never looked back from there!
By the early 1990s, she was working fulltime at the library. She has held so many positions at the library that it is hard to keep them all straight. She’s been supervisor of the circulation and tech services departments. She’s been interim director twice. She was never formally assigned to the youth services department, but she filled in for story times when needed. For the past 14 years, she has served as the assistant director.
The list of library innovations and advancements Debbie is responsible for is long. Debbie was instrumental in the first outreach program that delivered books to homebound patrons. She assisted with starting the first summer reading program. Debbie brought the library into the 21st century by running cable for internet and automating the library’s catalog. Debbie also made the push to add programs for adults to compliment the library’s multitude of youth programming. “My goal was to make Derby Public Library the best public library in the state,” Debbie said.
Debbie has been a source of knowledge for current director Eric Gustafson. “Since the day I started, Debbie has been the first person who I consult when I have an idea for a new program or service. Her wealth of knowledge and experience with the community and the library continue to benefit us every day. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her these past 13 years; she will definitely be missed!”
Debbie is a caring, devoted member of the staff whose door is always open and whose candy dish is always full. Debbie retires at the end of December and a reception in her honor will take place on Sunday, December 8 from 2-4 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.
