There is a lighthearted warm energy that one feels when first meeting Linda Burke. It’s an energy that is full of potential, possibility, and promise. It is this energy that she has passed onto hundreds of children in her many years of service as a children’s librarian. Now, however, it is time for Burke to say goodbye.
For the past 14 years, Burke has headed up the children’s service department of the Mattapoisett Public Library. During those years, she has helped to foster a love of reading, of learning, and of exploring in children from all walks of life.
Long before Burke joined the Mattapoisett Library, she credits her uncle, a young man only a few years older than she, for instilling in her a love for reading. “He’d read Uncle Wiggly books to me,” she shared with an impish smile.
Later in life, during the height of the Vietnam War, Burke said she fell in love. When her boyfriend returned from duty, they were married. The couple would leave the Bridgewater area and move to Ohio where they set-up housekeeping and raised a family. These domestic responsibilities sidelined her dream of becoming a children’s art instructor.
But with her natural talent and early training, Burke’s husband encouraged her to open a custom framing shop. It was there that she urged parents to have their children’s works of art framed, thus blending her creative aspirations with her desire to recognize children’s artistic contributions.
In 1991, after her own children were grown, Burke and her husband returned east and settled in a “big house” in New Bedford where her large extended family could gather during holidays and birthday celebrations.
It was in New Bedford’s Public Library system that she was able to begin what she had so long ago desired – an opportunity to work with children.
Burke also volunteered in New Bedford Public Schools, primarily Roosevelt Elementary School, as a mentor. While volunteering at the school, she helped to develop a welfare-to-work program where she taught computer skills to adults while modeling a solid work ethic to an underserved population.
Before coming to Mattapoisett, Burke worked in the children’s department of the Rochester Public Library under the direction of Gail Roberts. She said of that experience, “Gail was instrumental in getting me more involved in children’s literature.”
But Mattapoisett would become like home to her. Burke said, “Everyone has been welcoming. I’ve been invited into the lives of many families. It feels like home…. Mattapoisett is unique. I’m honored to have been included. I love this place.”
Family once again needs more time with Burke. That is the primary reason she’s retiring now. But she also hopes to travel and visit the national parks. “I’d love to become a park ranger,” she said with gusto.
Burke said her co-workers have “opened horizons” for her and that she’ll miss the daily interaction. But, as anyone could guess, she’ll be volunteering at the library after her term ends in June.
Library Director Susan Pizzolato said, “First and foremost, library work is service work,” and she went on to say that Burke has a passion to serve parents and their children and is a passionate volunteer. “She’s been a wonderful employee, for that reason … I know she’ll be missed,” Pizzolato shared.
Burke will be celebrated on June 14 when the library will host an open house retirement reception in the children department between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. All are welcome.
By Marilou Newell