Considering her 40-year affiliation with the Old Forge Library, it is not unusual for Carol Hansen to be asked to make a random stop at the library to assist Library Director Izzie Worthen with an upcoming project or program.

Such was the case on Friday evening, September 16 when Izzie enticed Carol to join her in the Adirondack Room to go over plans for the library’s upcoming 100th anniversary celebration.

But much to Carol’s surprise, upon entering the room she was greeted by family, friends, library representatives, and colleagues who gathered in her honor to celebrate her four decades—and counting—of service to the library.

As a token of appreciation, the library board and Friends of the Old Forge Library presented a custom-built cabinet in her name, commissioned by Hans Schmid and Sandy Tetreault of Middle Branch Woodworking, to house archival items and information. The cabinet will reside in the Adirondack Room.

Carol’s history with the library began in April 1972, shortly after her move to Old Forge with husband, Jon, and three children, Kelly, Bob, and Susan.

It was her life-long passion of the written word and interest in history and research that prompted her to apply for the part-time position of Library Director at the tiny Old Forge Library.

At the time the library was located next to the Strand Theatre, in the space now occupied by Sassy Scissors, and wasn’t equipped with a typewriter, or even a telephone.

During her time as director, Carol increased the library’s circulation greatly by making simple changes to previous borrowing policies.

At the time, library usage by seasonal folks was restricted to those who showed proof of property ownership, and borrowers couldn’t check out more than two books at a time.

“I believed that anyone who wanted to take out books should have the opportunity,” she said.

In April of 1996, Carol left the library to work full time at the Old Forge Hardware bookstore.

But not before spearheading two efforts that would change the direction of the library and help it to evolve into the institution it is today.

First was her quest to acquire a larger space for the library, which through the generosity of A. Richard Cohen, became a reality in 1977.

The other was her recommendation to the board that they hire Izzie Worthen, who at the time was about to take a seat on the board.

“I knew Izzie—with her innovative ideas, knowledge and energy—would be the one who could guide the library in its progression,” Carol said.

Ultimately Izzie and Carol switched positions with Carol taking the board seat and Izzie becoming director, a title she holds to this day.

And Carol’s passion for the library continued.

In 1977, when the library moved to its present home on Crosby Boulevard, she co-founded the Friends of the Old Forge Library.

Through the organization’s fundraising efforts, the library’s first phone was installed.

She was responsible for writing several successful grants, one of which secured funds for the construction of the addition to the library.

After a couple of years of badgering Albany for the money, the library was awarded a matching funds grant.

Once again, A. Richard Cohen demonstrated his generosity by matching the amount of the grant, and in 1986, they broke ground for the addition.

She vacated her board seat in 2006 when she once again became employed at the library—this time as an aide, writing press releases and doing general public relations.

And in April of this year, she “retired” from the front desk.

But her work at the library is not done. She continues to be part of the library’s Book Selection Committee, and there is much to be done in pulling together the history of the library for its 100th anniversary that will be celebrated in 2014.

“It’s been a wonderful 40 years and I’ve loved every minute of it. I think the best part of working at the library was meeting so many great and interesting people. Wonderful people use the library!” Carol said.