Printer Friendly Version - 41 Years of Library Service: North Branford Thanks Hull

On August 15, on behalf of the town, North Branford Mayor Michael Doody (left) helped recognize over four decades of dedicated service given by North Branford Libraries Director Robert Hull (right). Hull's last day on the job will be Thursday, August 31.Pam Johnson/The Sound

On Thursday, August 31, long-time North Branford Library Director Robert "Bob" Hull will spend his last day at the post he's held for the past 41 years, and retire from the role.

Working with the Library Board of Directors and the Town of North Branford, Hull helped the town's library services grow and evolve during his years of service, which began in 1976 when he was 25 years old. During his last decade on the job, Bob also helped navigate big changes to the town's two libraries, the Edward Smith Library (Northford) and Atwater Memorial Library (North Branford). Both buildings underwent major expansions and renovations during Hull's tenure. The newly renovated libraries were completed in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

Over the past four decades, Hull's built a well-deserved reputation for his thoroughness, attention to detail and roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic (when profiled as a Person of the Week in 2014, Hull said he likes to be at the Circulation Desk, helping patrons). But by far, the most rewarding part of his job has been the privilege of working with the town's talented library staff through the years, he said.

"The main thing I'm feeling right now is coming to work today, and working with the staff here, and realizing how much I'm going to miss that," said Hull, who spoke with Zip06/The Sound on August 24. "There are some people I've worked with for over 30 years; and many people I've worked with for 15 or 20 years."

North Branford is still in the process of searching for a permanent replacement for Hull. An interim Library Director, culled from current staff, is expected to be named next week.

While he couldn't have predicted it, Hull will be retiring at a time when North Branford is bracing for impact from yet-to-be determined state budget cuts and costs. That means potential hurdles may be in the cards for the town's libraries.

"The town could be heading into some hard times; and it's going to be a challenge for whoever's running the library," he said. "Now, in a way, I'm regretting walking away at a time like this -- because when times are difficult; I'm kind of at my best."

The Branford resident said he'll make himself available should the interim director want to get in touch. But he also recognizes it's time to let the next chapter of library leadership begin.

"I can't just ignore the people I've known all these years; but I don't want to be hanging around! So it's a balance of kind of staying in touch, but not being annoying," he says, laughing.

As for what he'll do in retirement, Hull said he and his wife, Deborah, have travel included in their future plans.

"My wife's been retired for a year now. She recommends the retired state very highly," said Hull.

During the August 15 Town Council meeting, Mayor Michael Doody lauded Hull with a proclamation from the Town Council on behalf of the residents of North Branford, recognizing Hull's 41 years of service to the town.

The proclamation states, in part, that Hull has "...built a reputation as an intelligent, honest, dedicated and compassionate Library Director," who balanced his time and efforts while giving the best possible service and experience he could offer to each resident.

"North Branford's been a good town to work for," said Hull, upon receiving the recognition August 15. "I've had a great run here. I've worked for a number of Town Councils and Town Managers, and I appreciate the support we've gotten over the years that has made us the library department that we've become. I appreciate the professional staff that I've worked with in all the different departments; the Library board members, who like the Town Council, serve without compensation to make the town better; and maybe last and most of all, the library staff who I have worked with -- many of whom have been at my side for 20 to 30 years. Thank you, very much."

Patrons, friends and fans can drop in to wish Hull well during an Open Reception which the library staff has planned for Friday, Aug. 25 from 2 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the Atwater Memorial Library Community Room, 1720 Foxon Rd.