SHERRILL — The Sherrill-Kenwood Library said goodbye to Mary Kay Junglen, wishing her the best as she retires and starts a new chapter of her life while also welcoming new Library Manager Bill Loveland.

Patrons gathered at the library for the Aloha Celebration and Reception on Thursday. After nearly 25 years of service to the library, Junglen is retiring with hopes of spending more time with her family.

While there, Junglen talked to patrons and introduced them to Loveland, among them Lois Seamans and Diana Lindsay, both longtime residents and library patrons. “I moved here in 1964,” Seamans said. “I grew up in the area and remember when the library moved buildings.”

Lindsay said when she heard the news that Junglen was retiring, she was brokenhearted — something Seamans agreed with.”[We asked] who’s going to take her place?” Lindsay said. “She knows us; she knows what we like.”

Seamans said she loved Junglen for her ability to connect with patrons and get to know them. “I’ve heard her say to [patrons] ‘A book just came in your mother’s going to like,’” she said. “It’s things like that.”

For the last few weeks, the Sherrill-Kenwood Library has encouraged patrons to sign a comment book for Junglen, filled with well wishes and messages to the longtime library employee.

One of the messages read: “Mary Kay, you’ve always been so friendly and helpful. You were here when my kids (age 34 and 36) were little and you always ask about family. You are a true gem. The Harrell Family.”

“The book was filled with so many kind and wonderful well wishes that I am very touched by,” Junglen said. “The relationship I developed with patrons was, by far, the most meaningful aspect of my time spent at the Sherrill-Kenwood Library. I also feel as if it is a reflection of the positive impact a library can make on the communities they serve.”

While the event gave patrons an opportunity to wish Junglen well, it was also an opportunity to get to meet and learn about Loveland.

Loveland graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 2013 before going on to Ithaca College, where he majored in history and minored in sports studies. Loveland had previously worked at a library software company in the Syracuse area before moving on to Manlius and becoming a public services librarian in 2019. When asked why he applied to work for the Sherrill-Kenwood Library, Loveland said he’s always seen himself working in a more small, upstate town like where he grew up. 

Seamans and Lindsay said they were pleased to meet Loveland and glad that he was such a happy and outgoing person. “I think he’ll be a nice fit,” Lindsay said.

Since July 1, Loveland has been working as the new library manager. “It’s been great to get to know people, and I’ll be doing that more over time,” he said. “The whole VVS community has been just so nice.”

When asked if they had any words for Loveland or advice to offer, Seamans and Lindsay said he’ll do well as long as he’s personable. “Once he gets to know the patrons, he’ll have it made,” Seamans said.

More than anything, Loveland encouraged people to talk to him if they had any questions, comments, or concerns. “My door is always open,” he said. “If people want to stop by and say hello, I’m more than happy to talk.”

Loveland can be contacted via email at bloveland@midwork.org or at the library at 315-363-5980.