From Janet Kipling, Exeter 383654, May 09,2007

Over four decades of working there has done nothing to dull Carole Dunn's passion for her local library - and she says after she retires she will still be in to borrow books!

Carole has worked, with short gaps for having her children, at Honiton Library since 1963.

Carole said: "I started working at Honiton Library in 1963 when I was 16. The library was then housed in the Museum building. It then moved to Fairfield House, which was a real rabbit warren, then to a mobile classroom in the Dowell Street car park. After leaving to have a family I returned as a relief assistant at the brand new library in new Street in 1977. In 1963 there were only two full time staff, one part-time and the mobile library driver. School deliveries took up a great deal of time.

"The change in libraries since 1963 has been enormous. There are now activities for adults and children, events, reading groups and, of course, computers for both staff and public use. Although it is gratifying to use a PC to find out obscure information, nothing beats introducing someone to something by a new author and knowing that they enjoy that book.

"I have been fortunate to work with lovely people, both colleagues and the public, and I will definitely miss their company. But of course I will still be popping into the library to see people and check out the new books!"

Executive Member for Culture, Councillor Sheila Hobden, said: "Carole's dedication, skills and experience are the sort of thing that we are very proud to have amongst our library staff. We are grateful to have so many long-standing and committed people in our teams, such as Carole. I am sure she will be greatly missed and we wish her well in her retirement."

Staff will be holding a leaving party and coffee morning for friends, family and library users on Thursday 31 May between 10.30am and 11.30am. The morning will feature a collection for Hospicecare, Carole's chosen charity.

For more information and to arrange an interview with Carole, please contact Jenny Wood at Honiton Library on 01404 42818.