By Julie Huss
DERRY — As one chapter closes, another opens.
As Derry Public Library assistant director Jack Robillard gets ready to say goodbye to his job this week, a new face prepares to take his place, and it's someone who knows the library life well.
Diane Arrato Gavrish returns to the Derry library as second in command, taking over for the retiring Robillard, whose last day on the job is officially June 26.
And Gavrish's return is bittersweet — she served as Derry Public Library director from 1980-1984.
Gavrish comes back to Derry after many years working at libraries around the region including time spent at White Pines College and 14 years in Merrimack.
When she heard that Robillard's job was available, she knew it was time to come home to Derry.
"This opportunity came up and I just couldn't not apply," she said. "It's a very positive move."
Gavrish said when she led the library in the 80s, she headed up a staff of five who spent time in a much smaller building, not the expanded facility it is today.
Through the years and with other jobs, Gavrish said she still remained connected to the Derry library, offering her time as a volunteer and supporter.
Robillard said it's also bittersweet for him as he prepares to say goodbye to his many years at Derry Public Library. He said his job will be in good hands under Gavrish's command.
He remembered coming to Derry to work as a page, with only one computer system up and running and used mainly for word processing. Library staffers stamped the due dates on books on a flap in the back and online searches for that favorite summer read were nonexistent.
Fast forward to 2009, and the library is growing with services and ways patrons can gain knowledge. Staff is still knowledgeable and helpful, but things are done faster with online services and information searches.
Right now, the Derry Public Library has approximately 6,542 library card holders, tallying about 155,586 visits to the local library last year. Robillard estimated the staff answered about 16,936 questions and the library has access to many online sources of information, while being connected to other libraries as part of the GMILCS consortium of public libraries.
Gavrish has a lot to learn, she admitted.
"But I'm very familiar with the collection," she said, adding so much has changed, she will be very busy in her new job.
Gavrish said she will be on her own by Monday. Robillard said he is looking forward to his retirement and traveling with his family.
Both Gavrish and Robillard said the change at the library through the years has been unbelievable and it's not too soon to think of what the next three decades might bring.
"There will be things we can't even imagine," Robillard said.
"Yet people still read and people still want to hold books in their hand," Gavrish added.
The new assistant director said being back in the library is like coming to school on the first day, with some butterflies and nerves, but also a good feeling of being somewhere right.
"I've really come full circle," she said.
