After nearly a quarter-century of service, Slatington Public Library’s longtime librarian, Louise Bechtel, is closing one chapter and beginning another.

Bechtel, who has served as librarian since 2001 and volunteered for years before that, has been a constant presence for generations of residents. A Drexel University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Library Science, she has guided the library through decades of change — from the days of handwritten card catalogs to the era of e-books and online databases.

“When I first started at the library, we were still using card catalogs to look up books that residents requested,” Bechtel recalled.

“The library was much busier then because people had to come in for what they needed. Then came the computer. It took us all summer to make a list of about 20,000 items, and once it was complete, we computerized the entire system. We started with one computer at the desk — now we have many for residents to use.”

She also witnessed the rise of the Internet and digital reading. “Then came the Internet — books online and e-readers like the Kindle,” she said. “I feel like the library has been my home away from home. I will miss helping people and the many good friends I’ve made along the way. I’ve gotten many hugs these past weeks from residents saying good-bye.”

With a laugh, Bechtel added that she almost wishes she could have made “an Irish good-bye” — quietly slipping away without a fuss.

Bechtel and her husband, Ed, have raised four children and have four grandchildren. In retirement, they plan to travel and see the United States together.

The Slatington Public Library Board, staff, and community shared a heartfelt message in her honor: “Louise has been a steady, kind, and knowledgeable presence within our library and our community for almost 25 years. Her passion for helping others, her gentle guidance, and her warm sense of humor have left a lasting impression on everyone who walked through our doors. Whether assisting patrons with a new book, a tech question, or simply offering a listening ear, Louise gave her time and heart generously. Her retirement is well-earned, but her daily presence will be sorely missed.

“Louise leaves behind not just a role, but a legacy of compassion, dedication, and community spirit. With heartfelt appreciation, we wish her all the best in this next chapter of life. Thank you, Louise — you’ve made our library and our town a better place.”