LIVERMORE FALLS — Francena “Fran” Goodine of Peru will retired from her 33-year library career on July 31 to concentrate more on her arts and crafts.

Elaine Smith of Livermore Falls will take over as director of Treat Memorial Library on Aug. 1.

Library staff and trustees will honor Goodine during an open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, at the library.

Goodine, 69, started out working as library assistant and worked her way up to director. Through the years there have been many changes.

“Back then everything was at a much slower pace. We didn’t have computers. Everything was done by hand,” Goodine said.

She learned the ropes through on-the-job training.

“I had three children at the time, the youngest being 6 and it was a part-time job. I could be a little flexible with working because family comes first and I could be home if I needed to be,” Goodine said.

Her husband, Carroll “Tinker” Goodine, of 50 years, worked at Conant Acres Inc., a farm in Canton.

When Goodine started she was typing file cards for the card catalog, working the desk, processing and putting away and new books.

“I enjoyed working with the people,” Goodine said. “I enjoyed the patrons. Some of them have been here for 33 years. A lot of them who were children are now coming in with their children.”

Her father would come to visit the family from Vermont, where Goodine grew up.

“He was big on libraries and he said ‘This was the best small library he’d ever seen,’” she said. “I love to read. I love books.”

When she first came to the library, there were a lot of books that weren’t what readers sought. That all changed when librarians began ordering books that patrons wanted.

Now the library gets the best sellers automatically and staff orders from three major companies. They are also part of a statewide lending system, the Solar program, the librarians may request books patrons would like at no charge.

Technology is a big part of the library’s operation these days with the card catalog on computer and all books entered into the online system.

The library also has wireless Internet and four computers for public use, which is very popular, Goodine said.

“I think we’re much more patron-friendly. Teens are coming in more so they can use the computers, as well as more families,” she said. Another draw is the free DVDs and books on CDs the library lends out.

Goodine plans to focus more on her arts and crafts. She is an award-winning artist and runs a business called Simple Things where she sells her rocks that she paints animals on, her paintings, some of them commissioned, and lately she has been painting Maine lighthouses on slate.

She has also ventured into another field and has put together a paperback book, “Knit Like Your Grandma” that features 24 old, knitting patterns that range from mittens to sweaters to household items. The patterns have been passed down through her family. The book is expected to be out at the end of the month and will cost $20.

“I’ve enjoyed being here for 33 years with all the changes and opportunity to have a career that I think I probably wouldn’t have gotten into.”

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