Treasured Reference Librarian Retires After 47 Years of Service

On January 31, 2023, the Lawrence Headquarters Branch of the Mercer County Library System celebrates the retirement of Ann Kerr, a treasured reference librarian for 47 years.

Ann has proven to be an invaluable friend and mentor to her colleagues and peers, dedicating her time, energy, and expertise to encouraging everyone to utilize their talents while promoting the welfare and lifelong learning of the patrons visiting the library.

When Ann first started, she was the only reference librarian in the entire library system. In the following passages, she reminisces about having a phone at each ear simultaneously:

I began working here [Mercer County Library System] after 6 months at the Trenton Public Library, and was immediately swamped with questions that had been held unanswered for weeks while I was being hired. I was the only reference librarian for all the branches and what I couldn't answer, I called in to the Trenton Public Library, which was the regional reference center in 1975-76. Unanswered, the questions went on to the State Library, and finally to Newark Public Library. It was always hectic at the Headquarters Branch. We were in the Ewing Shopping center, with offices for the NJ Dept of Transportation upstairs. School kids piled in around 3:00 pm, and we were committed to finding three books and 10 articles on any subject for their projects. Some days I had to put on a coat and sunglasses to get out the door without being stopped to answer yet more questions! I was in my early 30's when I started here and was in good enough shape in body and mind to cope. I always loved being fully busy and enjoyed being called upon to answer questions - Why did Queen Elizabeth I never marry? How do I build a chicken coop? Where can one get supplies for starting a small business?, etc.

Work became a lot easier when a second librarian was hired- Kaija Greenberg, who later became the head of the Hopewell, then West Windsor branches - and really fun when Laura Gruninger, now head of Lawrence Youth Services, came on board. Two events stood out in those years; the first when we switched to the electronic catalog, and the second when Ellen Brown became our director. During those years when Ellen was brilliantly supervising the growth of our library system, our sons grew up and attended college. Michael to become the head of the reference department at the West Windsor branch, and the author and director of a series of Halloween plays for teens, and Bill the head of a non-profit, Alcohol Research Center, in Berkeley, California. With the birth of a granddaughter 8 years ago, I feel very blessed. Now I can retire to read many books, take many classes, and think about the many good years I have had (47) working as a reference librarian.

During Ann’s tenure, she started such innovative programs as a Drum Circle, Book Club in a Bag, Stretching and Light Exercise for Seniors, Meditation, a one act play festival, and several book clubs. And, she participated in many more - which is why we know we will see her several times a week, even in retirement! We all wish her well!

- by Donna, Lawrence Branch