Fanwood Librarian Susan Staub Retires After 25 Years
The Fanwood Community came together while social distancing to celebrate the retirement of children’s librarian Susan Staub. Family and friends gathered outside the Fanwood Memorial Library on Thursday, July 30th, 2020 to bid a fond farewell to Susan, after 25 years of service.
Susan was hired at the Fanwood Memorial Library in 1995, and immediately began working on programs to help children learn. Over her years of service, she helped create a memorable and intimate environment for children to read, learn, and foster knowledge.
One of Susan’s most notable accomplishments is the creation of the Children’s library, but she also planned and coordinated popular programs like: Catch the Reading Bug, Imagine Your Story, Build a Better World, and the Summer Drama Workshop.
Speaking at the ceremony were Mayor Colleen Mahr, Councilwoman Patricia Walsh, President of the Board of Trustees Anne Minski, President of the Friends of the Library Carol Campell, and Library Director Dan Weiss.
During their speeches they recalled interesting and exciting times, as well as the challenges over the past 25 years. From special visitors, to an invasion of critters, surviving the HVAC system, and combating the internet, all of which Susan met with the same response, “Just Read.”
Members of the community, coworkers, friends, and family all lined up to share another moment with their treasured librarian. Everyone who came to visit Susan shared how she was always there to help, and usually with the perfect book.
Susan took delight in everyone who came out to see her, taking time to reminisce and catch up with the children she once taught. Among those in attendance were former employees and library goers Kat, Rosie, and Sara, who shared nothing but fond memories of their local librarian.
“She’s been around forever… it will definitely be a different place without her here.”
In recognition of her years of service, Fanwood Borough presented Susan with a special print of the Fanwood Train Station, traditionally given to individuals who have left their mark on the community. In addition to the print, she received a monogrammed fleece jacket, and countless other gifts from those in attendance.
Even though she was retiring, Susan expressed smiles and happiness throughout the entire ceremony. After looking back on her illustrious career at the Fanwood Memorial Library , she had only one piece of advice to share, “Go Read!”.
Click Here to See More Pictures from the Ceremony
(above, l-r) Anne Minski, Susan Staub, Dan Weiss, Patricia Walsh, and Carol Campell
