Library Director McDonnell to Retire
This summer, Holliston Public Library Director Leslie McDonell will be retiring after 22 years of exemplary service to both the Library and the Community. On June 16th from 3-6 pm, the Friends of Holliston Public Library (FHPL) welcome everyone to stop by the and share well wishes.
The Friends checked in with Leslie to learn more about what brought her to the Library, her favorite memories, and plans for retirement.
FHPL: What brought you to the Holliston Library 22 years ago?
LM: I moved from New York in 1994 for a job in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Although I learned a lot, it wasn’t really the right fit for me. I love small libraries so I was looking for a friendly environment within commuting distance. I knew during the interviews that the Holliston Public Library was a special place and later found that Holliston is a wonderful town.
FHPL: Do you have any favorite memories from your time at the Holliston Library?
LM: My favorite moments are of all the wonderful people I’ve met and worked with day after day–the staff, Trustees, volunteers and Friends along with our nearly 7,000 patrons. A library is just a warehouse without the people who love and appreciate it. That is the part that touches any librarian’s heart, especially in a small town.
FHPL: What are you looking forward to in your retirement?
LM: A slower pace of life, less rushing and more time to read and be outside. I’d like to travel a bit with my husband, take some courses and maybe get a part-time job.
Leslie credits her brother for giving her the idea of becoming a librarian. She is grateful for having found the right vocation so early on as it has been perfect for her – a person who loves both books and people.
At the June 16th open house, there will also be a dedication ceremony for the Library park bench that has been restored in Leslie’s honor. This restoration was completed by local artisans who volunteered their time and talent to bring the bench back to life.
Cortney Black of Holliston Handy (https://hollistonhandy.com/) disassembled the old bench, refinished the cast iron frame, and reassembled the newly made slats.
The Woodworkers Guild of Lexington, Massachusetts (https://www.lexingtonwoodguild.org/) milled new customized slats to match the original slats. The Friends of the Holliston Public Library wish to thank these local artisans, Leslie’s brother for encouraging her to become a librarian, and mostly, the Friends wish to thank Leslie for her wonderful decades of dedication and lasting legacy to the Library and town of Holliston.
HCAT recorded a segment with Director McDonnell that can be viewed here -> https://www.hcattv.org/all-show-posts/2022/5/24/heartbeat-of-holliston-leslie-mcdonnell-library-director
3 Comments
As a former Trustee of the Library, I clearly remember the day that Leslie came for her interview. I saw that amazing smile and immediately thought, “She’s the one!”
Holliston was so fortunate to have her leadership for 22 years.
Best wishes to Leslie in retirement.
When Leslie came to Holliston she had such enthusiasm and it has not diminished a bit! Enjoy your well earned retirement Leslie! Jackie Dellicker
Holliston is very fortunate to have had Leslie lead our library for so many years, she set the tone for a friendly, helpful atmosphere. Service to the community is a top priority for her
I could not believe that during Covid the library offered delivery to your door services
and even more surprised when I found Leslie bringing our books to our home. Thank you Leslie for brightening our days. Enjoy your retirement!