WHEN NORMA KREMSER began her career at Whatcom County Library System in 1976, she worked in a middle school training students in each home room to run a 16mm film projector, a skill she feels helped her get hired as an assistant film clerk.

She began inputting original cataloging in 1985 and added acquisitions of teen materials and all audio-visual materials in 1988.

Of course, audio and visual formats have changed dramatically over the years but Norma has kept pace with all the changes, working with video and dvd, cd-rom and now even mp3 and downloadable formats.

Norma wore many hats during her years of service to the Whatcom County Library System, but she will also be remembered for her green thumb and fingers that are nimble with a needle. Her quilt works adorning our building have turned many cloudy northwest days into sunny ones. She can take plants so malnourished and neglected that most of us would pronounce them dead and have them in full, happy bloom in no time.

Norma earned “maybe 35 or 40” ribbons at the Northwest Washington Fair.

Two years ago, her embroidered rendering of a Thomas Kincaid painting took the “best in embroidery” award. It is impressive that these special talents are mostly self-taught.

Not surprisingly, Norma’s plans for retirement include gardening — at home and at her church — after a thorough spring house cleaning. She also plans to walk, buy a bicycle, do counted cross-stitch, learn to knit sweaters, and make a raffle quilt for the local fire department.

Of course, there is the lure of travel — hosting and visiting friends and relatives — and perhaps a dreamed-of trip to Alaska.

We thank Norma for her 33 years of dedicated service and wish her a happy and fulfilling life in retirement.