(With Photos) Hartland Library Throws Retirement Party for 'Ms. Reference'

The atmosphere was bittersweet as people came to Sallie Brodie's retirement party to congratulate her and share memories after she completed her last day of work at the main branch of the .

Nibbling on appetizers and sipping on punch everyone gathered around as a slide show of the highlights of Brodie's time at Cromaine played on a screen next to the buffet table.

Talking about the "Chapter 31" inscribed on the retirement cake, Reference Assistant Marilyn Siegel explained: "She worked here almost 30 years. This is like the next chapter of her life."

Brodie, who was called "Ms. Reference" by some, reminisced about some of the fun aspects of her job during the June 30 event, like playing "Ima Gluck" for the summer reading club.

"Ima was an expert on root vegetables -- she would make rude remarks in a special voice -- the kids seemed to get a real kick out of it," she said.

"I was a gorilla, Miss Piggy and "Pigs in Space. It was … interesting," she added.

Don Thompson, library board vice president, said, "I've known her since she came here!"

"I saw all of Don's kids grow up," Brodie replied.

Thompson added: "30 years -- it's a lifetime for a lot of people."

Brodie has big plans after retirement, including going to Georgia to visit her daughter and then a trip to Alaska.

"After I come back I hope to do some volunteer work, but I need to clean my garage first," she said.