Natalie Bazan is resigning her directorship positions at the Hopkins District Library and the Dorr Township Library.
But the big question, yet unanswered, is where and when is she going?
Bazan served as library director at Hopkins for five and a half years and has simultaneously served at Dorr for the past three and a half years. Her dynamic style of promoting library programs and securing grants has endeared her to local library officials.
A special going away party was held for her by staff members last week.
Bazan posted on Facebook. “Although I rarely get emotional, this evening some of the most amazing people I know threw a going away party for me. I am at a loss for words… I have never had such a fabulous group of friends in my life and I will never ever forget them. I will always try to live up to the way they see me and never forget that everything I have accomplished was because they were there.”
She said, “As of our board meetings next week, I’ll be announcing my resignation. I have a lovely librarian who will be the acting interim director as the library boards list the job and work to find someone to fill the position. I’m currently trying to write up my job for postings which is difficult!”
Suzanne Antvelink, a member of the Hopkins District Library Board, posted, “You are a wonderful lady and librarian! The best to you in your new venture.”
Erin Wiseman-Parkin posted, “I can’t believe you are leaving! What a brave leap of faith… So excited to see what is next!”
Sheri Bolthouse commented, “ Hmmm… simultaneous happy and sad emoticon. Let’s just say I wish you a wonderful adventure!”
Sandra Stearns: “Wishing you a wonderful new journey and may God bless you always!”
Alice Hazen: “I wish you all good fortune in your new endeavor but you will be missed at the library.”
Widely regarded as a superstar director for the Dorr Township and Hopkins District libraries, Bazan was courted seriously last year by the Alvah N. Belding Library, but she decided to stay here.
“Belding’s offer is higher than I get now and they offer benefits and retirement,” Bazan said at that time. “I love this area, I love the people I work with — patrons, staff, library boards, even the media — but I would also love to be able to pay off my student loans, be able to take care of my health and plan for retirement.”
Bazan first became director at the Hopkins Public Library in 2011 and in August 2012 spearheaded an effort to turn it into a district library with a dedicated millage. She also has secured more than two dozen grants, the most interesting of which was free books from the U.S. Library of Congress.
She was hired to be Dorr Township Library Director in addition to her duties at Hopkins in the fall of 2013.
She earned her bachelor’s degree at Grand Valley State University and then picked up master of arts and master of library science degrees at the University of Kansas and the University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign. Before working at Hopkins she was a graduate student cataloger at University of Illinois, a circulation assistant at Kent District Library and front-end supervisor at Michaels Stores.
Her roots actually are in West Michigan.
“I grew up on a dead end dirt road in Salem Township on the border line between the Hamilton and Hopkins school districts,” she recalled more than three years ago. “I have lived in big cities and traveled around, but I came home after I completed my degree to try to make a difference in a small town. My heart is in helping small towns, not big cities.”
But, she cautioned, “I believe that every job and project should be a stepping stone to better things in your career. You need to build on what you have done.”
PHOTOS: Natalie Bazan and flowers at Hopkins District Library.
This token of appreciation was presented to Ms. Bazan at her going away party.
