It’s Summer 1973 in Aurora. You’re listening to the recently-released debut studio album from a rock band called Queen and reading accounts of U.S. president Richard Nixon’s Watergate scandal in the newspaper. Last, but not least, a high school student named Laura Gartman is starting a job at the Aurora Public Library (APL) to begin a career that has spanned 50 years of service and four, soon to be five, APL District (APLD) bookmobiles.
Laura began her employment in 1973 as a page (material shelver) in the Children’s Department. Although she was happy to work for the Library, her goal always was to work specifically on the Bookmobile.
“Ever since I was a child I had wanted to work on the Bookmobile, as that was my source for books growing up. It became a very important part of my life,” remembers Gartman. “As a child it seemed like a long five- or six-block walk to get books, but I could sit outside under the trees and read after I started the trek back home.”
Luckily for Laura, within a couple months of employment there was a job opening on the bookmobile and her dream came true! After some time and a promotion to Department assistant in the Outreach Services Department, she added a new task that would become her passion; assisting customers in the Library’s Homebound Program. “My favorite thing about working here then and now is working with our homebound customers. They hold a special place in my heart,” she shared. “These special customers need someone to make sure they get the books they wish to read and I’m happy to be the person that fulfills their reading needs. They need books that feed their mind and fill their time.” Laura’s customers recognize the care and compassion with which she works, and this is evident in the relationships she’s built over the years.
Gartman’s dedication to her work has been recognized by her colleagues and supervisors as well. “When I think about the level of dedication and love that it takes to do what Laura does for 50 years, I am simply amazed,” said executive director Michaela Haberkern. “Kids grow up and bring their own children to the neighborhood stops where they first met Laura, and there she is, still giving the same kind of attention and kindness they remember; and she loves it!” With such experience under her belt, Gartman often finds herself in a position to offer advice to her coworkers. “The entire outreach team depends on Laura’s expertise and historical insight on a daily basis,” shared Outreach Services manager, Jessica Cantarero. “Laura has spent her entire adult life dedicated to sharing literacy and resources with our community, enriching lives in ways that are simply unmeasurable. She exudes positivity, ingenuity, confidence, professionalism, wisdom, and an unparalleled institutional knowledge that helps our team excel in meeting customers’ needs.” The feeling is mutual between Laura and her team. “There have been a lot of wonderful coworkers through the years that have helped me enjoy my time here,” said Gartman. “When you have staff who work together as a team, it makes coming to work every day a little bit easier.”
In honor of her 50th anniversary, APLD held a celebration for staff members and Gartman’s family and friends. To commemorate the milestone, Gartman was presented with a crafted clock, created in the Library’s Makerspace, as a symbol of all the well-spent hours she has contributed to the library. “We have so many great staff members here doing such good work, and I think Laura is an inspiration for all of us to do the very best we can for every customer we meet,” said Haberkern. “Maybe, if we’re lucky, we’ll get to do it for 50 years too!” Gartman is not planning on slowing down any time soon. She said she plans to continue working at APLD for as long as she can. “Some one recently asked me ‘so what’s next? Retirement or another 50 years?!’ My answer to her was ‘No – I’m not ready to retire, yet, but definitely not another 50 years!!’”
Very soon Gartman and the Outreach Services Department will begin preparing our new Bookmobile for the public. Twenty years have passed since the arrival of our current Bookmobile and Laura knows first-hand what an exciting time it is, especially when it’s something you’ve wanted to do all your life. “It’s good to have a dream as a child but even better to be able to have that dream come true. I would like to thank everyone from family, to management, to fellow employees, to customers, who have helped me in some way to realize my dream.”
Congratulations, Laura, on your 50th anniversary!
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.