The Hall County Library System's business manager was recently named Library Employee of the Year at the 2023 Georgia Public Library Awards.
Lydia Hahne has been with the Hall County Library System for 44 years.
A press release from the Georgia Public Library Service said Hahne was awarded for her years of service, and dedication to ensuring the library can serve its community by managing budgets, mentoring fellow staff, and taking on challenges beyond what is expected.
“It is rare to meet an individual who has devoted their entire working life to one organization," Lisa MacKinney, library director of Hall County Library System said. "It is rarer to get the opportunity to work with someone who has demonstrated such devotion along with leadership, commitment, a passion for service, and an exceptional work ethic."
Hahne began working for the library as a shelver when she was 15 years old in 1979.
"During her 44 years at the library, she has held several positions including administrative assistant, circulation assistant, and bookkeeper, and she currently serves as the library system’s business manager," the release said.
Hahne guided the funding and budget process during a challenging period following the 2008 financial crisis.
“Her presence and reassurances that our library could continue to operate and serve the community helped keep staff morale positive,” said Bernice Cox, a member of the Friends of Hall County Library System. “Our library weathered this most difficult time in large part due to her judgment, her guidance, and her skills.”
The library system had closed two branches by 2015 and was operating with a minimal budget with reduced service hours.
“Fast forward to the end of the 2023 fiscal year, thanks in large part to Lydia’s hard work and skills, the Hall County Library System has a fund balance that sits at the recommendation level. We have our best-ever material budget,” said MacKinney. “None of these things would be possible without Lydia’s steady hand and knowledge.”
Hahne has helped support the library's ability to introduce or expand services, such as passport and notary services, as well as the restoration of many of the library system's operating hours that were previously lost due to budget cuts. The library system has also completed several remodeling projects at multiple branches.
Additionally, Hahne is known for her dedication to helping others. When the business manager of a neighboring library system resigned, Hahne lent her expertise, according to the release.
“Our ability to pay employees and bills was in jeopardy, and we were in urgent need of help. She stepped in, using her expertise to ensure the timely payment of our employees and bills, averting a financial crisis that could have had severe repercussions,” said Leslie Clark, director of Chestatee Regional Library System. “Lydia exemplifies the spirit of collaboration, selflessness, and dedication to the wellbeing of the library community.”
Hahne is set to retire later in 2024.
