Lydia Hahne, business manager for the Hall County Library System (HCLS) and a lifelong employee of the system has been named Georgia Public Library Employee of the Year.
“It is rare to meet an individual who has devoted their entire working life to one organization. It is rarer to get the opportunity to work with someone who has demonstrated such devotion along with leadership, commitment, a passion for service, and an exceptional work ethic,” said Lisa MacKinney, HCLS library director.
Hahne began working for the library as a shelver when she was 15 years old in 1979. During her 44 years at the library, she has held several positions including administrative assistant, circulation assistant, and bookkeeper, and she currently serves as the library system’s business manager. Many of the nominations Hahne received highlighted her commitment to the library during challenging times. When the library endured years of financial struggles stemming from the 2008 financial crisis, Hahne is credited with guiding the funding and budgeting processes to ensure the library continued functioning with reduced services.
“Her presence and reassurances that our library could continue to operate and serve the community helped keep staff morale positive,” said Bernice Cox, a member of the Friends of Hall County Library System. “Our library weathered this most difficult time in large part due to her judgment, her guidance, and her skills.”
Hahne’s work has supported the library’s ability to introduce or expand services such as passport and notary services, as well as the restoration of many of the library system’s operating hours that were previously lost during the 2008 recession. The library has also completed several remodeling projects at multiple branches, with plans for a new East Hall branch in development.
Hahne is set to retire later this year. A community celebration in her honor will be held on March 15 2:00-4:00 at the Gainesville branch.