Charlotte Routh retires
Charlotte Routh, longtime Head of the library’s Extension Department, retired April 30. She has been in charge of Extension since 1991 but an employee since October 1982 when she began work in the Children’s Room. Her love of children and senior adults made her the logical choice to head up Extension, which provides outreach services to childcare centers, nursing and retirement homes and to many individuals whose circumstances don’t permit them to visit a library. Often the Extension librarians visit patrons in remote areas where there is little outside contact.
With her assistant, Betty Bunting, Charlotte provided books and materials, programming, information and referral services to these communities on a regular basis. Extension patrons eagerly anticipate these visits and the delivery of requested items as well as items especially selected and ordered for them.
Through the years, Charlotte has served on many local committees including Quiz Bowl, Randolph County Senior Adults and the Randolph County Partnership for Children. For the past three years, she has been instrumental in the implementation of the Raising a Reader program at the library.
The special friendships she has made with her patrons make it painfully difficult for Charlotte to leave her job. She, in turn, is well loved by her patrons. Each is special to her and she makes sure they know she cares about all aspects of their lives. She seeks to enrich their lives through reading that is appropriate and stimulating. Fellow Randolph County employee Phyllis Bostick, whose Mom has been an Extension patron, says that Charlotte has been such a help in providing large print books for her mother, who always comments on the great reads she receives through the service. Phyllis says Charlotte is definitely a “keeper.”
On May 20, Charlotte received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Randolph County Partnership for Children during the annual “Night of the Stars” which honors childcare professionals for their educational attainments during the year. Charlotte has served as chairperson of the Professional Development Committee for RCPC and helped organize the event in past years.
Her husband, Sam, has a “honey do” list FOR HER which includes travel, gardening and enjoying their children and grandchildren who live nearby. We miss her steady hand, cheerful laugh and willingness to help anyone in need. Best wishes Charlotte!
Betty Bunting contributed to this article.