A familiar face will be retiring from the Rogers Free Library this month. Charlotte Burnham — Miss Charlotte to the many children and teens who have enjoyed library programs and services over the last 25 years — will be enjoying her last day on the job on August 19.

Burnham began as a part-time employee at the library in 1997. A homemaker with two children and a theater degree, she soon discovered she loved the work and began to pursue her Masters in Library Science (MLS). Happily, then-director Joan Prescott told her about a program the town had in place at the time which offered scholarships for employees looking to further their education. Burnham received her MLS in 2004 and began working full time at Rogers.

“As soon as I got the degree they began building the new library, which was wonderful,” she said. “Back then the ‘teen room’ was about eight shelves in the mezzanine — it’s evolved a bit!”

Of her early years, she also cites the opportunity to work with former children’s librarian Brenda Geremia as a highlight. “I’m so glad to have worked with her, she taught me so much about children’s services.”

The job has changed quite a bit since Burnham began 25 years ago. Just keeping up with the evolving technology can be a job unto itself, but Burnham is pleased to look at the modern, dedicated young adult room on the main floor of the library and see all the opportunities for learning and engagement available to young patrons.

Before her tenure comes to a close, Miss Charlotte has one last summer reading program to enjoy. “Read Beyond The Beaten Path” began July 5 (but it’s not too late to register!). Readers can earn badges by logging reading, online or in person, or participating in library programs, and win fantastic prizes like books and gift cards to local merchants. To register for the online program go to rogersfreelibrary.beanstack.org, or sign up in-person at the library.

They also have a summer reading program for teens/tweens (ages 11-17) and adults.

For the youngest participants, the program will end August 12 with a costume party at Linden Place.

For Burnham, it will be a bittersweet goodbye, as she cherishes the relationships she’s built over the years with colleagues and patrons alike. But she’s looking forward to having more time to spend with her grandchildren, visiting family, and enjoying her homes in Bristol and Hog Island, as well as getting back into writing poetry, something she has not had much time to devote to in recent years.

“I’m looking forward to getting a few things organized and going from there,” she said. “It will be fun.”

She also feels the time is right for her to step back.

“I’m very impressed with the new director and new hires and I am excited to see what will happen with new eyes on the collection. It will be good for the library.”

The admiration is mutual.

“Charlotte is so amazing,” said Library Director Dawn Jenkin, who invites the public to a reception in her honor at the Library between 3:30 and 5 p.m. on August 19. Plans are still being finalized, but ice cream is confirmed.