Jackie Chater has closed the book on her time at Tophill Library on Portland after 20 years.

The library, and Easton, has lost an extremely popular, friendly and efficient personality – that was the opinion of adults, students and children who use the library in Straits on Jackie’s final day.

A host of well-wishers turned up with cards, flowers and gifts.

Born in South Wales, Jackie, 66, moved to Bristol with her parents at a young age and became an assistant librarian as soon as she finished her education.

She moved to Dorset 40 years ago when she joined Dorset Library Service and was a part-time assistant at Wyke Library before being appointed to Tophill Library. She said: “I must say that I approached this with some trepidation because I had been told that Portlanders were unfriendly towards Kimberlins. But it didn't take me long to find that this was far from the truth as, from the start and ever since, they have been both welcoming and friendly and I will miss all of them very much.”

Jackie, who is a Keep-Fit Association instructor, also teaches activities at adult education classes and at Wyke Women’s Institute.

She is a member of the Wyke WI Singers and Weymouth Choral Society.

She said one of her memories of her time at Tophill was of a group of gentlemen who used to meet in the library.

She said: “The very elderly gentlemen used to sit around the table to read the newspapers, consult the reference books and set the world to rights and I certainly owe a lot of my knowledge of Portland to them.”

Former Portland mayor Valerie Durston, a regular library user, said: “Jackie has always been extremely helpful, knowledgeable, always interested in people. Her services will be sadly missed.”