After six years as a librarian with Toronto’s Harry Sutherland Philatelic Library (HSPL), Kathy Hartley has resigned from her post and taken “a sabbatical from the hobby in order to explore new adventures,” she said in a statement on Dec. 17.
This October, Hartley informed Ted Nixon – then-chair of the Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation, where the HSPL is located – she would not renew her contract for 2020.
“I thank all of you for the support you’ve given me, for your good humour, and for always taking the time to answer my questions on behalf of our patrons,” added Hartley, who ended her association with the Greene Foundation as of Dec. 17.
“Another thing I’ve enjoyed tremendously is assisting you with your philatelic research needs. Honestly, your emails thanking the library for the help we’ve provided, seeing the HSPL acknowledged in your articles and exhibits, or knowing that you’ve raved about our services at your club meetings or with your philatelic friends truly has made my day, pretty much every day I’ve been here.”
‘REMARKABLE’ CONTRIBUTIONS
Garfield Portch, newly elected Greene Foundation president and chair, thanked Hartley for her contributions.
“For an individual who came to the Greene as a librarian, not a philatelist, her contributions have been remarkable and evidence of her presence will be seen for years to come.”
Also a collector and exhibitor, Hartley earned a large silver medal at the 2018 Postal History Society of Canada Symposium for a single-frame exhibit entitled, “Toronto’s Philatelic Heart: Adelaide & Victoria Streets.”
“Kathy chose to exit without fanfare or recognition but we would be remiss if we didn’t say thank you and best wishes in
whatever you do next,” added Portch.