2.20.2009

Memorial Service for Mrs. K and Mrs. Mac on March 20 in Old Greenwich

By now I'm sure many of you have heard about the tragic deaths of two beloved children's librarians in Old Greenwich, Kate McClelland and Kathy Krasniewicz. They were in a car accident together and they passed away last month. I just want to recognize them here today because as parents, I think we all can appreciate the impact librarians have on our children and Ms. McClelland and Ms. Krasniewicz were no ordinary librarians. 

This lovely article from last Sunday's New York Times by Gerri Hirshey tells the story of two women who loved children and reading with a passion. I never met either woman, but I did correspond over email last year with Ms. Krasniewicz and I was struck by how proud she was of the Perrot Memorial Library's children's department.

With that, I'd like to share these lines from Gerri's Hirshey's piece (inspired by Goodnight Moon):

Goodnight, ladies who were never afraid to put on their silly hats.
Goodnight, bravehearts who never read a book aloud without doing all the voices.
Goodnight, strong persuaders, who loosed so many bright curiosities, like fireflies, into the stacks.
Goodnight, Mrs. Mac.
Goodnight, Mrs. K.
Goodnight from children everywhere.

Please note that there will be a memorial service honoring Mrs. McClelland and Mrs. Krasniewicz on March 20th in Old Greenwich. Click here for all the details.

No comments: