The public library is bidding farewell to a longtime employee. Rebecca Deaver, the assistant director, is retiring effective Feb. 11 after 30 years with the library. Because she is using accrued vacation time, Deaver’s last day was Dec. 21, when a “greet and good-bye” reception was held for her at the library, according to Kathleen O’Doherty, library director. A Wilmington resident, Deaver was hired as the children’s librarian in 1982 after working for the Rockport public library. In 1986, at the same time O’Doherty was hired as director, Deaver was named assistant director. “She’s going to be sorely missed by me and the rest of the staff,” O’Doherty said. “She’s been an integral part of all we’ve done here.” Recalling that the library was still using manual typewriters in 1986, O’Doherty added, “She helped move us into the modern age.”