Karen Hawk is described by some who know her as the “heart and soul” of the Hudson Library in Highlands, and after 10 years behind the counter she’s moving on to retirement.
“What I will miss most is the people,” said Hawk. “A diverse group of the community, including the visitors who frequent the library with most being regulars, whether it’s all year long or only the summers, or even just a few weeks.”
Karen Hawk is leaving the Hudson Library after 10 years behind the counter. A party will be held to celebrate her retirement from 5:30-7 p.m. on April 1 at the Hudson Library, 554 Main Street, Highlands.
Hudson Librarian Carlyn Morenus has known Hawk for the past decade and said her quirky sense of humor, her knowledge of the community, and her steady flow of suggestions for patrons looking for a great read will be missed.
“I’m really going to miss Karen’s far-reaching local knowledge and connections; she’s been part of the Highlands community since the 1990s, she knows everyone and everyone knows her,” said Morenus. “She’s really been the heart and soul of the library, especially since she’s the only staff member who has bridged the gap of four Librarian changes! I will also miss her quirky sense of humor. I’m glad she’ll still be around town (or so she promises!)”
Those who frequent the Hudson Library enjoy seeing Karen Hawk behind the counter.
The Hudson Library Board is throwing a party from 5:30-7 p.m. on April 1 to celebrate Hawk’s dedication over the years at the Library, which happens to be Hawk’s 10th anniversary behind the counter. Her official last day on the job is April 12.
“The public is definitely welcome, we want as many people as possible to have the chance to wish Karen well and celebrate her retirement with her,” said Morenus. “The Hudson Library Board is throwing the party, which is another indication of just how valued Karen is here.”
Hawk doesn’t plan on kicking up her heels and relaxing on the porch anytime soon, she is excited for this next step and plans on focusing on other interests.
“I am looking forward to retirement,” said Hawk. “I’m of the age and ready to collect the Social Security I’ve paid in these last 50-plus years. I have a pretty full schedule outside of work and plan on expanding many of these things I already do.”
Hawk’s regular routine includes exercise (spin, TRX, yoga) four mornings a week, run with the Road Runners on Saturday mornings, part of the Humanist discussion Group, active in Indivisible Highlands and sec./treas. for the Highlands Precinct Democratic Party.
“My political life along with my reading, hiking, and yard work will greatly expand,” said Hawk.
Morenus said her involvement in the community was one of the things that made her a great part of the Hudson team.
“She’s so thoroughly woven into the fabric of the library community,” said Morenus. “Karen’s really been instrumental in the continued success of our library,”
Kasey Klodosky has worked with Hawk for three years and said her positive attitude always brightened up patrons’ days and kept things interesting behind the counter.
“She’s always entertaining,” said Klodosky. “She always has these great stories or would shoot you a funny look at the counter. She kept the work atmosphere light, which is always nice.”
In addition to Hawk’s regular duties as Library Assistant II, she also plans and executes the Community Coffee with the Mayor series, does the displays in the library, coordinates volunteers, organizes the movies shown each month, and more. Klodosky will assume Hawk’s full-time position and Morenus said they will fill the part-time position soon.
Karen Hawk’s retirement party is from 5:30-7 p.m. on April 1 at the Hudson Library in Highlands.
Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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Another wonderful article…Brian, you are an asset to this community ❣️
Thank you very much Terri!