Hail and Farewell!

This morning, we were pleased to have a visit from Jim Hunter and his mother. As many patrons of Webster Groves Public Library well know, Jim has worked for us for quite a long time. In fact, he is the second longest-serving employee in our history. (The distinction of first place goes to Helen Mardorf, who was a children’s librarian and a director for 45 years. Our Reference Room is dedicated in her honor.) This was his visit to say goodbye.

Jim came to work for us in summer of 1978. He was hired by Anne Horton, a previous director. He worked under seven directors, outlasting all but one of them. Jim was our morning shelver on weekdays. He always walked to and from work from his parents’ home, for many years on Orchard Avenue, but for the past several years at Ashford Condominiums. He was as familiar a presence strolling up and down Lockwood Avenue as anyone in Webster Groves.

Jim was here when we renovated the library building, working in the stacks of our temporary quarters on Brentwood Boulevard, and made the move back with us, working for another eight years, until the COVID pandemic hit last spring. Jim will be missed for his happy morning greetings, and as the library’s number one cheerleader for the Cardinals and the Blues.

After Christmas, Jim and his mother will move to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to join other family members already living there. They are both eager to spend some time on the beach, finding some well-deserved relaxation.

At its last meeting, the library’s board of trustees passed a resolution thanking Jim for his many years of service. We were only sad that, given current health restrictions, we could not have a party for him. I suppose many people these days are retiring and having other milestone events in their lives that must go without the usual fanfare and recognition.

Someone else will take over Jim’s work here at the library–no one can ever replace him.