Kind words and a steady stream of well-wishers were the order for the day at a farewell reception held for Luverne Public Library Director Rene Lester last Thursday, Oct. 29.

Lester has resigned from her position of 16 years and has accepted a position as the library director for Hardin County Public Library in Kentucky.

“We are so appreciative of all the things Rene has done at the library,” Board Chairman Mike Jones said. “I look back over the years and think about all that she has done in bringing our library so far…She has done such a good job, and we are so thankful for her.”

“We want to wish her the best of luck and say a big ‘thank you’ to her,” he said.

Lester first thanked the members of the Library Board for supporting her over the years.

“I also want to thank Mayor Joe Rex Sport and the City Council, because without the city providing matching funds for grants we have received over the years, we would not have been able to get them,” she said.

Lester praised her staff, especially longtime assistant librarian Kathryn Tomlin.

“When I’m out, I don’t have to worry about anything because I know she can handle whatever comes up,” she said.

“I told her earlier today that she couldn’t go,” Mayor Joe Rex Sport said, smiling. “For a town our size, this library is a showplace, and we have Rene to thank for that.”

For Tomlin, last Thursday’s reception was certainly bittersweet.

“It has been my privilege to have worked with Rene for over 6 years,” Tomlin said. “She has been a wonderful boss and friend. Luverne has been very fortunate to have had someone of her caliber to make our library the great place that it is.”

“Although I will miss her, I am very happy for her because I know that starting this new phase of her life will be an exciting time for her,” Tomlin added. “ I only hope that her new library family realizes what a gem they are getting.”