Finishing up a chapter in her book of life, Linda Hall will retire next month as circulation assistant at the Aberdeen Timberland Library.

In 1975, when Hall was a senior in high school, a teacher encouraged her to seek part-time employment. She was surprised and delighted to be hired as a page at the Westport library, where she quickly developed her skills. When the head librarian moved on two years later, Hall assumed that position.

Rosalie Spellman, head librarian at Aberdeen, added Hall to the Aberdeen staff in 1979. Hall worked full time until she reverted to substitute and part-time status while earning an associate degree at Grays Harbor College. She then returned to full-time status and has remained at the Aberdeen desk since then.

Hall laughingly acknowledges that she began work at the Aberdeen library before the current staff members were born — and they keep her young in spirit.

Hall likes animals and has been an active volunteer at PAWS since 1998. She intends to add two additional days to her weekly PAWS schedule upon retirement, and he and her husband Andy have planned a road trip to the Eastern U.S.

A retirement reception in her honor is planned from 3 to 5 p.m. May 17 at the library. Friends and patrons are encouraged to drop in and extend their good wishes.