Christine Whelan, September 18th, 2025 • Volume 7 • Issue 1

Many recognize the face of, and look forward to seeing, Debbie Ashworth as they walk through the doors of a local library branch. Her role has changed over the five decades, finishing up as Public Service Clerk. Now, as her retirement date draws near, Debbie says a piece of the library is going to go with her.

While librarians order books, are in charge of budgets, and are more like coordinator roles, Debbie’s position is more interactive with the patrons, helping them find books, assisting with the copier and with any problem within the library. Every day is different.

She can be seen and heard as patrons walk into the library to return books or walk up to the desk to check books out, right there, striking up conversations about a book that she has already read. “Oh, this is the best series,” or “He’s such a great author, eh? I couldn’t put his book down.”

It’s a natural comfort Ashworth presents.  And it helps that she is known by so many in the community. “I grew up here, and I take my job very seriously. I like to make people feel welcome.”

The Beginning of Her Journey

“I started with the library on October 1, 1975, as a part-time page, and I never left.” She was turning 15 years old at the end of that month.

A page is someone who shelves books and performs general housekeeping duties. Debbie also cleaned 8mm and 16mm film and repaired them. “I handled the overdue. I did a lot of the filing because Google then was the card catalogue.”

This was before the addition was built onto the original Centennial Branch building, which was built in 1967, the Centennial year. “And I happened to be one of the little girls who was dressed in Centennial garb at the celebration for the opening of the library,” Debbie added proudly.

“Little did I know it would be the foretelling for my whole life.”

She went from page to permanent part-time, where she stayed for a long time.

“In 1988, I spent a lot of my time, while expecting my second child, barcoding the books in this library for the opening.” The Crystal Ridge Branch opened in March of 1988, the same month her daughter was born. She was on maternity leave for the opening.

Ashworth was the Branch Head at the Stevensville Branch in 2001 when it opened. “Then, when an opening came up, I became full-time.

“I’ve worked at four branches — Centennial, Stevensville, the Bertie Branch that was on Elm Street in Ridgeway and the Crystal Beach Branch, which was on the corner of Belfast Road and Lincoln Road, before the two were combined into this Crystal Ridge Branch.”

Debbie says the library is a part of her life. She’s lived her whole life within these buildings. “I’ve worked under 12 CEOs. I’ve worked with people for many, many years. One woman now lives in Europe, and I’m still in contact with her. She worked at the library when I was a page.” Adding, “We have really great staff, great management and a very hardworking board.”

The Changes She Has Seen Over the Years

“They’ve been so numerous, you can’t even imagine. The biggest one has been the Internet.”

Ashworth discussed the evolution from hard-copy books and magazines, which they still carry, to their digitalized inventory. “Our online presence is amazing.”

From the Dewey Decimal System to the online system, “It evolved slowly. And we had lots of training available to us.”

Libraries of yesterday were known to be places where patrons had to be quiet. This too has changed. It’s not about the quiet anymore, it’s about community.

“Those days are gone. We are a hub of the community now. Everyone is welcome here. It’s a place to come. A place to belong. The libraries are full of life.”

In adjustment to this transition, the Centennial Branch now has study rooms, quiet places to go for studying or to have a meeting. Ashworth says they get used a lot.

“If you need a place to come so you’re not alone, the library is the place to come to. You’d be surprised at the number of seniors who come in just to read the newspaper.”

Debbie says the libraries are well-used. “We have great programs. There’s a lot to offer.”

As someone who spends a lot of time in our libraries, I’ve noticed there’s a difference when she’s working at one of the branches and when she’s not there. She brings energy into the library.

Life After Library

We likened this transition for Debbie to Jerry Seinfeld’s approach. Finish while you’re still on top. “I know I can still do my job. I’m just ready to move on to my next chapter.

“I’ve got three beautiful grandkids I want to spend more time with. I like to walk and read. I like to quilt and cook.” Debbie says she has a lot of interests that she is looking forward to having more time for.

“My husband and I like to travel. We do lots together.” Debbie commented that he’s looking forward to when she retires. He’s been retired for five years and has been waiting for her turn.

She wants to live on her own terms. “And I think I’ve earned it.”

Ashworth shared that she will continue to volunteer at the library.

“I really enjoy the book clubs and moderate three clubs.” She says she will stay on as a member of her seniors’ club because they’ve been with her for many years.

“I feel sad and excited at the same time. It’s a very bittersweet feeling.” Adding, “I’ve never resigned from a job before.”

Debbie’s last day will be the same date she began, October 1. “I’m grateful to have had this 50-year experience. I’m going to miss seeing the faces regularly, but I won’t be going far.

“It’s been a great ride. I like to think that when I leave, a piece of the library will come with me. It’s a part of my heart.”

To check out the Fort Erie Public Library’s online presence, go to fepl.ca