Walk steps away

(Photo by Randy M. Cauthron) Mary Walk, retiring as the children's librarian after 33 years of serving the youth at the Spencer Library, shared her favorite story, "The Sneetches" by Dr. Seuss on many occasions over the past three-plus decades. [Order this photo]

Just like the perfect ending to a classic western story, she's "walk"-ing off into the sunset.

Thirty-three years ago, when Mary Walk filled in for children's librarian Katie McGuire while on maternity leave, little did she know that she was beginning a journey that would introduce her to generations of Spencer Library patrons as the "library lady." But for many, that's exactly who she has been and will continue to be despite the fact that she officially shelved her last children's book in the Spencer Library on Dec. 31, 2008.

Today, between 4-6 p.m. Walk will be recognized with a coffee in her honor at the place that's been her home away from home for the past three-plus decades. And while she may be in the position of honor, the honor of working with Spencer area families over the course of the many years has been all hers.

"I've met so many wonderful people in the community," said Walk. "Whenever I'm out and about, I've acquired a few different names."

From Marywalk - all one word - to Mrs. Mary, all the names have been music to her ears.

Now she'll be spending the majority of her reading time with an audience that calls her simply, "Grandma."

Starting in 1975 with reading sessions then limited to the library, Walk worked to develop a curriculum that took story hour from the library to the classrooms - beginning with Head Start - and eventually working into the the other area K-6 classes. Approximately 600 children are reached each month as a result of the outreach efforts. The work in and out of the library building have allowed her to develop valuable relationships.

"Working with educators, as well as children and families, has been a privilege for me …What has been so unique is to see these young children come in with their families. They grow over the years, then come back with children of their own. They must have had fun at the library."

The St. Ansgar native began her library work helping out in her hometown facility. And Walk's husband, Phillip, reminded her of the special life she's lived. "My oldest son was 5 when I started shelving books in 1975. This is pretty much my whole adult life. My husband said it's so unique for one person's whole life's work to be in one place. I guess it is."

Walk lived her life of public service at the library by a simple philosophy: "For everyone who comes to the library it should be a welcoming atmosphere.

"First and foremost, you want to make it welcoming. I don't like to go someplace where I don't feel welcome.

"And there should be equitable service for everyone who comes to the library. When I gave group tours of the library, I would always welcome them to 'their' public library. It is theirs. It's only mine because I'm part of the community too."

For 33 years, Walk said she has made reading a priority. "It's absolutely the core of everything. My focus has been to connect children and families with literacy. Not just from the standpoint of education, but for education and recreation. It's so important that that is a focus."

One of her goals was to help generate future users of the library. But now, at least as an employee of the Spencer Library, Walk will leave those responsibilities for someone else.

Don't think, however, that Walk is giving up her story sharing altogether. While she's looking forward to returning to her escape and enjoyment as an artist, and relishes the opportunity to have Saturday's off the longtime children's storyteller will always be available to an audience with a willing ear.

"This is really what I do best. If you want a guest reader, invite me."

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MARY'S FAVORITES

Favorite Book: "The Sneetches" by Dr. Seuss. "It's a great story for all ages."

Favorite Holiday Book: "The Thingamajig Christmas" by Irene Keller

Favorite Adult Book: "I like mysteries. I haven't read an adult book for a while."

Favorite Children's Author: "I can't pick one. There are so many. It's just too hard. Not all of my favorites are new, some have been around a very long time."

Favorite Book Turned into A Movie or TV Program: "Frosty the Snowman," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," Charlie Brown holiday programming. "My children were were still young when they came on."

Book I'd Like to See as a Move or TV Program: Eric Carl stories. "They are great stories."