Since the beginning
Library volunteer to be rewarded for 25 years of work
By Nathan Straus News Reporter

Georgia Starkey

Georgia Starkey remembers when the Chandler Library, now located on Highway 31, was a trailer. It was during this period in 1983 when Georgia first volunteered to work at the library, or, the Henderson County Bookmobile, as it was known back then.

"They needed volunteers," Starkey, a retired Allstate Insurance agent, said, "so I joined up."

Georgia was one of the 12- 15 volunteers who started working with the library to keep the books circulating. She started work in 1983 and is still working as a volunteer in `08.

Back then, the Bookmobile would come to Chandler once every one or two weeks. When it broke down it was deemed irreparable by the library board. It was left in Chandler as a branch library.

Starkey witnessed the change in the library as the circulation of 480 books per year jumped to its current level of 18,000, and its membership has reached 4,100 area residents. The library also offers services in the form of fax, copies and the internet.

In addition to this literary evolution, Georgia was present as the library went from a penand pencil card check-out system of circulation and catalogue to a completely automated system.

"You used to have to do it all on cards," Starkey said. "We had good records back then, but it was hard to keep up with. It's much easier now."

Nancy Bertholf, librarian, said Starkey has been a constant throughout the library's life.

"I always know she's going to be here," Bertholf said. "She's very dependable; she even volunteers for others to fill in when they can't come."

Georgia got the Monday shift, which means her work day collides with public holidays every so often. Far from being the lazy sort, Georgia actually bemoans this problem, Bertholf said.

"She always says, `Looks like I have another Monday off,' whenever she gets the day off," Bertholf also said. "She's a model and an inspiration for all of us."

Bertholf also said some of her other volunteers would be 90 or over before serving the library and Chandler as long as Georgia has.

Starkey said her favorite part of the job is the time spent with people.

"I enjoy mingling with people and being a helper," Starkey said.

Because of her service, Starkey will be honored for her work at the Volunteer Appreciation Coffee. The ceremony will take place Saturday, January 5 at the Chandler Library. The event, which will take place from 9:30-11 am will celebrate Starkey's contributions, in addition to those of the other volunteers.

Starkey is also a charter member of the Fire Belles of the West Side Volunteer Fire Department. She is married to Jerry Starkey, whom she met in '00 on Valentine's Day. They married September 10 that year.

Bertholf said Georgia's 25 years at the library is a special event.

"She's been here as long as the library has been in Chandler," Bertholf said. "If she and the other ladies weren't here the library certainly wouldn't be open 44 hours a week."