Lake Hāwea community librarian Deirdre Hutton has retired after five years in the role.

Wānaka Library team leader Julie Stretch said Deirdre continued the “lovely tradition of community librarians” in Hāwea.

“She’s been amazing,” Julie said, adding Deirdre’s primary school teaching was a huge asset, as was her passion for people - especially children.

“The preschool sessions were full to brimming on the Monday mornings, and she was creative and innovative with the crafts with school holiday programmes.”

Deirdre also maintained regular visits with the local preschools, Kanuka Corner and Hawea Kindergarten.

Deirdre Hutton reading to children at the library.

Julie said she discovered that Deirde had been dropping off books in her spare time to edlerly people and those who couldn’t get into the library, and during lockdown she was phoning those people and checking on them.

“That shows how dedicated to the job she was,” Julie said.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Hāwea community for what has been a wonderful five years,” Deidre said.

“I have made lots of friends of all ages and I have been so impressed by the vitality and the warmth of the community here in Hāwea.”

She said she was looking forward to adventures planned for her retirement.

Two new library assistants, Jess Clark and Alex Walton, will replace Deidre. 

“Jess and Alex are both very strong users of the Hāwea library,” Julie said. “They have had two lovely weeks with Deirdre meeting people and learning the ropes.”

Maya Bennett, who worked at the Hāwea Library on Mondays and Saturdays, has also left. Maya is now school librarian at Mount Aspiring College for four days a week, and will work at the Wanaka Library every Friday.

PHOTOS: Supplied