Mary Pinkham has retired as children's librarian at Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, but as many of us know, she will always remain part of our lives and the lives of our children. For 29 years “Pinkus” gave us more than books and words. She showed us a way to enjoy each other and the experience of coming together. Mary's space was created for the joy of sharing things that will never leave us.
Here are some comments about the Pinkus years:
Trish Monroe: “I think she got the name Pinkus from Sally being too little to say Mrs. Pinkham. It stuck. 'Story Hour' saved me as a new resident in town. I got out of the house and could hang out with groovy moms!”
Lisa McSwain: “Pinkus started our Friday night 'Between the Stacks' events. We always had a theme with a story, project and food. We all loved it, kids and parents alike. And, of course, Pinkus always had a corresponding outfit and hat.”
Niall Janney: “I started reading in her library as a little guy and probably checked out 'Making Faces' by Norman Messenger, at least a dozen times. Admittedly not a lot of words. Seems to me that learning to read as a kid is as much about the reading space as it is about the book itself. Mary understood that and created a fun space for us all to go and get lost in whatever we found on the shelves. Will be forever grateful.”
Morgan Mitchell: “Pinkus, I hear your stories and the turn of their glossy pages. I see the way you held the pages just so our wide eyes could get lost in the illustrations. I hear you asking us questions about the characters, pausing to ensure we all felt part of the adventure. I hear your laughter Pinkus, your 'dahhhh- lingggg,' and the way you made me feel so seen and valued. Thank you for all that you are, have been, and continue to be for so many. Your impact is infinite.”
Anne Barker: “The second time my mother walked into the library, Mary looked up, spread her arms out, and with a big grin, said, 'Betty! We're so glad to see you again.' She felt like she was part of a family who loved her here.”
We all love you Mary. Thank you.