Winter 2020-21 Hometown Messenger

After 43 years with the Scott County Library System, librarian Barb Hegfors is closing the book on a storied career. With ongoing COVID precautions and limited library services, this is not how the longtime Shakopee Library branch manager imagined her final year. But adapting to change is something to which Hegfors is well accustomed. Closing chapter Longtime Shakopee librarian to retire

Hegfors joined the Scott County Library system in 1977, working first in Savage and then also in Shakopee for several years. She became the Shakopee branch manager in 1989 and watched the library adapt to its customers' changing needs. “What I enjoy most are the people and the interactions and helping them find what they need,” she said. “Each day is just a little different.”

"What I enjoy most are the people and the interactions and helping them find what they need. Each day is just a little different."

Hegfors remembers the early years when customers could check out 8 MM films and projectors – even framed photos to hang on their living room walls. The old catalog system moved to microfiche and now is fully electronic, allowing customers to order materials from the comfort of home. The library itself has become a gathering place where students reserve study rooms, community groups meet and visitors access the Internet. Overall, technology has been the biggest change, said Hegfors, noting how the library’s reference collection has shrunk over the years. “I still like the physical book in my hands, but [our ebook collection] offers so much variety that we can’t have on our shelves in the building,” she said. Barb Hegfors Shakopee Library Branch Manager

Despite all the changes, this past year has been especially unique, and Hegfors misses the chance to say goodbye to the customers and volunteers she has gotten to know so well. She fondly recalls volunteer brunches and wonders what the teenagers who staffed the summer reading program for so many summers are doing these days. She hopes many will stop by the Shakopee library before her official retirement Dec. 30. Hegfors also expresses appreciation to her staff and upper management who have supported her career. As she prepares to turn the page on this chapter, it is a little bittersweet. “It doesn’t seem like 43 years since I’ve started, but the time has gone by extremely fast.” Shakopee Library Branch Manager Barb Hegfors is looking forward to retirement – traveling, researching genealogy, watching her family grow and reading. “Some people think [as a librarian reading is] what you do at work, but I have my list and it’s growing every day.”

HolidayWinter Market is Dec. 5 Shakopee Holiday Fest will look a bit different this year. While there will be a

Where can the bus take you? Check out our video on the city's

downtown tree, Downtown Shakopee will not be having an in-person tree lighting ceremony, the Parade of Lights or fireworks show. Downtown Shakopee is hosting a Holiday Winter Market of local artisans and their hand-made crafts and gifts. This outdoor event will

YouTube channel.

Ride the bus - on the weekend! Minnesota Valley Transit Authority now offers weekend bus service in Shakopee, creating more options for you to ride the bus to appointments, shopping and work. Routes 497 and 499 now operate seven days a week with the same daily schedule. Local, non-rush fares apply on Saturdays and Sundays. Questions? Visit mvta.com or call 952-882-7500.

be held in the Lewis Street parking lot from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. Santa will be available for photos from noon to 4 p.m. at the River City Centre. Masks will be required. More info: www.shakopee.org

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