A CARDROSS librarian who worked ‘tirelessly’ to keep bookworms in the village and in Helensburgh happy has retired after 24 years.

Lesley Griffith, library assistant-in-charge at Cardross Library, retired in November after a long career with the area’s library service which began in 1995 at the old Templeton Library in Helensburgh’s John Street.

When the town’s new West King Street library opened three years later, Lesley remained with the library service before moving to Cardross Library in 2006.

She closed this chapter of her book on Thursday, November 25 when she retired from LiveArgyll’s library service.

Caroline McNair, who is taking over from Ms Griffith, paid tribute to her former colleague, saying: “Lesley has worked tirelessly in Cardross both to keep customers happy and to keep the library open, and is an absolute legend.

“Lesley has always gone above and beyond the job requirements. She has given her time and commitment to the whole village community from the youngest to the eldest both in and out of the library.

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“She was a familiar face at the school throughout the year and was always bubbly, smiling and full of fun and laughter. Kids of all ages have adored her.

“She would greet everyone by name and always be on hand with a fabulous book recommendation, knowing what type of book every person liked.

“During Fun First sessions she was always on hand to bolster the singing and provide biscuits to the children.

“She was also famed for her mini Christmas parties and activities throughout the year. She set up reading groups and always took a genuine interest in the folk using the library.

“She will be sorely missed by LiveArgyll library staff and customers alike and I just hope that I can do her legacy justice.

“We celebrated her retirement with a cake specially commissioned for her by The Tea Jenny, and customers had put in donations which were used to buy her flowers and Ardardan vouchers.

“When not in the library she could often be seen either at the Helensburgh swimming pool or having lunch or a coffee at Ardardan.

“She plans to spend her retirement looking after her great-granddaughter, swimming, reading and travelling once restrictions allow, and we all want to say a huge thank you for everything and wish her a very long and happy retirement.”

Cardross Library is open every Tuesday from 1.30-7pm and every Thursday from 10am to 4.30pm.