Laurie Guenther in pink, husband Ken Guenther behind her in blue, then rotating counter-clockwise from top left, son-in-law Adam Keller, daughter Jill Keller, and grandkids Mason, Mia, and Charlotte. Photo provided by Mendon Public Library
On Thursday night, August 19, 2021, a large group of employees, Friends, and Mendon Public Library Board of Trustees met at Hopkins Point Lodge to celebrate the long and valued career of Mendon Public Library’s Director, Laurie Guenther.
Laurie served as Library Director of the Mendon Public Library since 1998 and worked for several years before that at the library on 15 Monroe St. She led the library through lots of change, including the vision, design, funding, construction, and establishment of the beautiful new and fully accessible facility at 22 N. Main St.
Praise for Laurie’s leadership could be heard far and wide. Former Friend of the Mendon Public Library, Stephanie Heywood said, “All Laurie’s years of service at the Mendon Public Library was not a job, it was a family affair. She connected children and families with literature and learning.”
Employee Alice Sargent said, “Laurie has always been a wonderful team leader for our library family, with an awe-inspiring knowledge of library procedural issues.”
Another employee, Lynette Loomis praised Laurie as, “Progressive in her use of technology and the items she added to the collections which made the library a welcoming place for everyone. The range of programs she either initiated or supported gave many young families a place to learn, play and grow. The large print collections also gave people with aging eyes the ability not to have to forgo their love of books. Laurie took a small library and made it a GREAT small library.”
Former Board Member, Anne-Marie Gordon also had wonderful things to say about Laurie’s leadership, “I’ve worked with her as a patron, as a member of the Friends of the Library, on the library steering committee, and as a member of the Library Board of Trustees. Every time I’ve been with Laurie, I’ve seen the same things: quiet determination, knowledge and skill, endless patience, and the grace of good humor. I’ve watched her advocate for our community’s library in so many ways and in so many settings: at official meetings, at a book sale on the library lawn in the pouring rain, with patrons in the library. Mendon has been extraordinarily fortunate to have a Library Director like Laurie!”
Mendon Town Board Member, Cindy Carroll states, “Laurie, I wish you every happiness that you deserve as you enter into your retirement! Thank you for your service to the community!”
Our community joins with Ms. Carroll in wishing Laurie and her family every happiness in her retirement. Our beautiful library stands in testament to the important work you lead us through as Mendon Public Library Director.
