DIANE CARUSO
SOUTHWICK – For 20 years, Anne Murray has directed the Southwick Public Library. She gave it her heart and soul and made it her home, but now, she is moving on to new adventures.
Murray was feted late last week at a retirement party held at the library. She recounted her time since she began as the assistant librarian in 1994.
“We were in the old building on College Highway – it was so small – but we had a tremendous number of people who used it,” she said.
By the time the library moved into its current location on Feeding Hills Road, Murray was its director and ready to take the library into the future.
Even as she was preparing for retirement, Murray was still helping the library take the next step – fully joining the C/WMARS system. Murray said this will open up a lot of doors for the Southwick library patrons, which include not only Southwick residents, but residents of Agawam, Granby, Suffield, Granville and beyond.
“People come from other communities because we have a lot to offer, and the library is totally handicap accessible,” said Murray. “I just see the library expanding its programs and services.”
Longtime librarian Diane Caruso was approved by the Board of Selectmen last week – with a recommendation from the Library Board of Trustees – to take over the helm as the director. Murray said the Southwick Public Library is in more than capable hands.
“I’m confident that Diane will lead the library in the right direction,” said Murray, touting Caruso’s knowledge of technology as a major asset moving forward. “I feel really confident I’m leaving the library in good hands.”
Not to say Murray’s really leaving the library.
“I may find myself volunteering,” she joked. “I love being at the library – I will be a patron, if nothing else.”
For now, Murray said she and her husband, who is also retired, will be spending time with grandchildren and catching up on home improvement projects in their Southwick home.
“There are so many projects my husband and I haven’t been able to get to,” she said.
Murray is mostly looking forward to an exciting trip she and her husband are taking in May – a viking boat tour through five continents.
“We start out in Amsterdam and end in Prague,” said Murray. “It’s the trip of a lifetime.”
Murray said despite her travel plans, she plans to stay rooted here in Southwick.
“We love Southwick,” she said. “This is what retirement is supposed to be.”
