Lowell library director celebrated as she steps down

LOWELL | Lowell Public Library Director Sandy Morgan said her life has been one out of the storybooks.

She was hired as a secretary 24 years ago and was feted last week upon her retirement after six years as library director.

"It's just one of those stories," Morgan said of her rise within the ranks.

A steady stream of well-wishers, colleagues and community leaders celebrated Morgan's accomplishments.

To some, Morgan has been the heroine.

"She probably saved all the independent libraries in Northwest Indiana," Lowell Library Board member Mary Kay Bruce said of Morgan's role in fighting state plans to consolidate libraries.

That comment drew applause from the crowd.

"She was a tremendous force in Indianapolis. They never met anyone like her before. ... She was a tiger," Bruce said.

She said Morgan truly believes in libraries and their valuable role in a community.

Library Board member Kim Peterson said Morgan has served the library well and will be missed.

The board recently hired Eugene Pidzarko as the new library director. He was digital projects librarian for Purdue University Calumet.

Pidzarko joined in applauding Morgan.

"I had heard good things about the library in Lowell," he said. "It is obvious that this community supports and takes pride in its unique library. I look forward to working here."