The Elizabeth Taber Library is preparing to say farewell to its library director of five years, Elizabeth “Libby” O’Neill.
O’Neill, who resides in Mansfield, has accepted a position at the Norfolk Public Library, a bit closer to home.
“My main focus over the years was just to really have the library be the focal point in the community,” said O’Neill, looking back over her time at the Taber Library. “To make it a place to gather, to socialize, and to really enjoy the programs and services that we offered.”
Patrons of the Taber Library know the staff for their friendliness and helpfulness, including O’Neill’s, something that she acknowledges is one of the reasons people enjoy spending time at the library.
“I really expected my staff to be welcoming and friendly and just as helpful as possible, and I think we achieved that,” said O’Neill.
While O’Neill was library director at the Taber Library, patrons have enjoyed an umber of programs O’Neill implemented, such as the seed lending library, pot lock recipe meetings, the bike lending program, and clubs such as the Scrabble club and knitting club that still meet weekly.
“We’ll miss Libby’s energy and personality and the great programs that she created over the five years she’s been here,” said Jay Pateakos, president of the library’s Board of Trustees. “The library was re-energized under Libby’s watch and we know she will be a great addition in Norfolk.”
As for the future director, “We’ll be looking to find someone with similar energy,” said Pateakos. “Someone who will enjoy coming into a small seaside town with a wonderful, newly renovated front entry way that will help make the Library front and center of the town.”
Unless, of course, Pateakos added, a candidate steps forward from Marion, “Which would be great and mirror what happened six years ago when the last search committee took place.”
“We’ll need someone with an eye for creating great programs for the patrons and thinking outside of the box on how to get teenagers and those who rarely use the library back into its fold,” said Pateakos. Some like Libby O’Neill, of course.
The Library Board of Trustees will post the job this week and start interviewing in November. The trustees hope to have a new director in place before the end of the year.
“I’m really going to miss the community,” said O’Neill. “I feel like I’ve been more invested in the Marion community than the town that I live in because I’m just so passionate about Marion: I just love it there. It’s been a wonderful five years.”
But it doesn’t have to be good-bye forever, said O’Neill.
“I truly am going to miss everyone that I’ve met and that I’ve worked with over the years, and I hope to stay in touch and continue to see people in Marion.” After all, she will still be part of the SAILS network, perhaps even attending meetings out this way now and then, she hopes.
“I’ll be sure to pop in and say hi,” said O’Neill.
By Jean Perry