HITCHIN: Accolades have been pouring in for a brilliant stalwart of our community.

If you've ever been to the library in our town, the chances are you would have come across the brilliant Bekah Nicolas.[.B]

Hitchin Library will be poorer for the fact that manager Bekah is leaving the Paynes Park site for pastures new.

However, complements have been piling up for the hugely respected Bekah, in recognition of her tireless work in our library before, during and after three challenging lockdowns during the pandemic - and for helping to raise literacy levels in our community.

Bekah has been a huge force for good in terms of encouraging people to read more. On a visit to our library, many a Hitchin parent has been impressed by Bekah's huge passion for the written word, and for helping youngsters in our town develop a love for reading.

Bekah was also responsible for Nub News' popular Countdown to Christmas series last year, which proved such a hit with parents and children.

The brilliant Bekah said: "It's been a huge honour to work at Hitchin Library over the past 10 years.

"I love this library!"

Posting on their official Twitter account the library paid tribute to the brilliant Bekah, the wrote: "Our wonderful library manager Bekah had her final day with us.

"She will soon be starting a new role at Herts Libraries.

'Thank you Bekah - you will be so missed!"

While renowned Hitchin advocate Danny Pearson said in tribute: "A true powerhouse of the Hitchin community.

"Best of luck with the next adventure Bekah."

While Dan the Scribbler aka Dan Bramall posted: "Best of luck Bekah!

"I'll really miss your smiling face when visiting with my kids. Best of luck in your new job and hope to see you soon."

Hitchin resident Jo Cornish added:"Richly deserved. Bekah epitomises the best of public library provision."

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Hitchin Nub News writes: All the best Bekah, we have huge respect for the incredible work you've done in our community and for your boundless enthusiasm in helping to encourage people young and old to read more.

Good luck in the future, you will be sorely missed - not least because who will help with our Countdown To Christmas book series this festive season!