Summers are busy for public library staff. Kids on summer break often look for things to do at the library, and librarians work to make sure there’s something for everyone. Adult Services Librarian Mary Henriksen decided that this year was the time to make some summer plans for herself! Henriksen retired after nearly 21 years of service to OPL on July 1.
Henriksen began working for OPL in July 1996 as a young adult librarian at Washington and Florence branches. She worked at Sorensen and Abrahams branches in the same role. After working in youth services for 17 years, Henriksen transferred to Swanson Branch to work with adults. “I enjoyed being a young adult librarian,” said Henriksen. “I liked being part of a team that helped to create and shape young adult programming, and also welcomed the challenge of learning adult services and collections.”
Henriksen was always interested in becoming a librarian, but studied social work in college. It wasn’t until graduate school that she decided to pursue librarianship at Emporia State University. The combination of her library and social science education proved useful.
“We serve all walks of life at OPL. Being able to recognize some of the problems that people might be experiencing helped me to better serve them.”
Henriksen says she will miss coworkers and patrons, but is looking forward to spending more time with family in her retirement. We wish her all the best and are grateful for her service!
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