Although she officially retired in June 2014, it seemed natural to see Marjorie Stevens walk into the Parkland Community Library.

After all, she was a fixture in the library since 1973.

Marj grew up in Williamsport, but credits the Girl Scouts with bringing her to the Lehigh Valley and helping her to become part of the community.

Through her job as a field director of the Lehigh County Girl Scout Council, she became involved with some "wonderful people" who were able to open the doors of the community to her. It was an experience that sold her on volunteering – a word that would be a big part of her vocabulary throughout her career.

Marj was married in 1956 and resigned from her Girl Scout position a year later.

Sadly, by 1963, she was a widow with two small children.

Although she had a degree in English Literature from Lycoming College, she wanted a schedule that would coincide with that of her children.

She went back to what was then Kutztown State College for a degree in library science, and the rest is a 41-year history.

Marj credits the efforts of Barbara Trevaskis, a young mother who wanted children to have access to a local library, with the spark that started the library.

In 1973, the grassroots effort was successful in opening the library doors at the former South Whitehall Municipal Building on Main Street, Guthsville. Marj started as a volunteer and became the library's first paid librarian in 1974.

By the end of the year, there were 659 registered borrowers, but, even more important than the statistics, Marj fondly cites the programs held at the cramped location.

In particular, she remembers story times with a variety of volunteer readers and a Pennsylvania Dutch festival that served as the finale to a successful summer program.

Her best memory? Of course, it is moving, in 1981, to the current building with 5,000 square feet of space.

"We felt we had died and gone to heaven," she said.

The library was opened with all donated money, and, once again, Marj gives credit to others, including Mildred Heckman, the library's board president.

Marj also credits the Parkland Press and Pat Ryder, the former editor, with frequent coverage.

"She was very supportive with consistent volunteer profiles," Marj said.

Legislators, she said, citing Charlie Dent, Don Snyder and Julie Harhart, were also supportive with grant money and frequent appearances at volunteer appreciation celebrations.

In 2005, Marj moved from her position as library director to director of volunteer services. She coordinated 60-plus volunteers of all ages.

"We had a 90-year-old who could stoop over better than I," she said with a chuckle.

And she's very proud of the students and former employees who have moved up in the library world.

Marj praises libraries for moving along with the times, citing computers as the biggest change during her career.

She embraces the changes – Wi-Fi, e-books, etc., but is a bit concerned about the lack of socialization.

"I go out to dinner and the people are all looking at their phones," she said.

Marj's retirement was celebrated in October, but she continues to be active in the community.

She is a member of the Parkland Garden Club, goes to the pool and enjoys going to lunch.

And, she continues to be an active library supporter and patron.

Noticing the "I geek…" buttons worn by library employees, she admitted she wasn't too fond of the word "geek" but if she had to wear one it would say, "I geek the Parkland Community Library."