It was no April Fool’s joke as Cathy Saylor retired April 1 from being the Wetumpka Public Library children’s librarian.
It’s a position she has held for almost seven years.
“I’m an empty nester and want to be closer to family,” Saylor said. “I will be moving to South Carolina.”
Saylor’s love of libraries came naturally. Her parents took her to libraries as a child and encouraged her reading habits. She came to the Wetumpka library as a part-time employee.
“I worked at the school as an aide,” Saylor said. “I needed more work so I started here. I’d come over here after three five days a week.”
When children’s librarian Myrna Hays retired, Saylor took over the position.
“I had been helping her some,” Saylor said.
It was a time she discovered she loved reading to children and encouraging them to develop reading habits similar to hers.
“Being a children's librarian is the best,” Saylor said. “I've had little ones of my own and saw them develop into readers. At the library I saw more kids develop good reading habits. It’s great to see the light turn on about how enjoyable reading is. Those are some great memories.”
Hays started many of the children’s reading clubs and summer reading programs. Saylor expanded them, adding a home school book club and increased attendance at summer reading programs.
“It was great to see kids getting interested in reading,” Saylor said.
Current Wetumpka Public Library director Susan Hays said it is bittersweet to see Saylor go. But just like Saylor, there is a part-time employee stepping up to fill the role of children’s librarian — Michelle Meeks. Her children have been attending Saylor’s programs for the last several years.
“She and Ms. Myra have laid a great foundation,” Meeks said. “Cathy has already set me up with success with the book clubs and already planning out this year’s summer reading program at the civic center.”
But Saylor isn’t leaving reading or libraries behind.
“I will still read and go to libraries,” Saylor said. “If I work again, I would love for it to be in a library again. There are so many good memories.”
