THE library was full on the afternoon of Thursday, February 28, as customers, friends and colleagues gathered to wish Jackie Parrish a very happy retirement after more than 40 years.

Jackie received well wishes, cards and gifts from many of the people and groups she has helped over the years including Holsworthy Primary School, Hoslworthy Library Reading Group and the Friends of Holsworthy Library.

Jackie has worked for Devon Libraries for 44 years — an incredible contribution to public service.

First assistant at Holsworthy Library Mary Weblin said: “We are lucky that Jackie spent many of those years at Holsworthy Library where customers and staff have benefited from her professionalism, dedication and high standards. We will miss Jackie but hope to see her often on ‘the other side of the counter’ when she comes to borrow books. Happy retirement Jackie and many thanks for everything.”

Jackie is enjoying a blissful retirement thus far. She said: “It’s been really nice, I’m really enjoying it!

“When I first started work in 1974 people retired at the age of 60 more or less. Things changed and I just kept on going. But when I reached the age of 65, which was last November, I decided that I would retire then.”

She added: “I would like to thank everyone who came along to my retirement party. It was so nice to see so many people there. It was lovely, and to receive all the cards and gifts, it was most unexpected.”