By Kendra Fikse, summer intern
The Lynnville Public Library is about to enter a new season of service and leadership with the change in directors coming at the end of June. Barb Hoogeveen is retiring after 14 years at the library, and her replacement is former library board member Mark Lageveen.
Lageveen has been shadowing Hoogeveen the last few weeks, learning how to step into the role of director. While the position may be new to him, working with the library is not. Lageveen has been part of Friends of the Lynnville Library for three years and is the current president of the organization, and he was president of the Lynnville Library Board before joining the Lynnville City Council from 2022-23.
“I am so thankful Mark stepped up and offered to help out,” said Hoogeveen, who is looking forward to retirement. “I am excited to be closer to my family and to see more of my grandchildren.”
On June 19, Hoogeveen’s retirement as director will be celebrated at the Lynnville Library from 4-6 p.m. The community is invited to enjoy refreshments and wish her well.
Lageveen will be taking on many responsibilities as the new director, organizing summer reading programs, library events, and appearances at community celebrations, in addition to running day-to-day operations of the library.
Although Lageveen will be at the helm, he is not the only one making sure the library sails smoothly. The Lynnville Public Library has several part-time employees, and Lageveen will also work with the library board, headed by president Rita Carlson, and the Friends of the Lynnville Library.
Before Lageveen makes his directorial debut, Hoogeveen will finish out the summer reading program, capping off her career at the library, and this year’s program, with a carnival on Saturday, June 29. Starting at 9 a.m., it will include games, prizes, lunch, horse rides, and potentially an “Old MacDonald’s Petting Zoo.”
“I have really enjoyed being a librarian,” said Hoogeveen, “What a treasure Lynnville has in its beautiful little library.”
