Please
join the Western Massachusetts Library Advocates (WMLA) and the Massachusetts
Library System (MLS) as we celebrate the career of Mary King at an Open House
March 17 (4:30 - 6) at the MLS Office in Whately.
In
1985, Mary joined the staff of the Western Massachusetts Regional Library
System (WMRLS), where she directed the bookmobile program, the delivery
service, and served as a consultant specialist for small libraries. In 2010, as the Western Region was merged
into the Massachusetts Library System (MLS), Mary continued as a small library
specialist for the MLS and managed the delivery service in western
Massachusetts until it was replaced by an outside contractor.
During
her tenure, the delivery service grew in volume from several thousand items
transported per year to over two million transported per year.
As
a guide, consultant, and mentor to small libraries, Mary:
• Assisted libraries as they gathered data
and developed long range plans for their library’s services. This planning process focused their efforts
and resources as they helped their libraries grow and develop and also made
them eligible for grant programs.
• Helped libraries maintain their
collections to be appropriate, accurate and up-to-date for their users.
• Worked to help smooth out rough spots
and strengthen positive relationships between librarians, trustees, and friends
groups encouraging everyone toward goals that would best serve their users.
• Served as a sounding board in delicate
situations, acting as a colleague and a friend.
• Took the time to get to know library
staff, their communities, and their situations.
• Was immediately responsive to problems
and concerns.
Mary King
is a champion of small libraries and has always focused the attentions of
library agencies on the needs of those small libraries. Join
us to celebrate Mary’s career and to wish her well in her retirement. See you in Whately on March 17.
