Retiring Public Wheaton Library Director Reflects on 47 Years

From first joining the Wheaton Public Library in 1966 to her 2013 retirement, library director Sarah Meisels retained the same chair and continued to use a calculator and typewriter, even while overseeing the library’s fluid transition into the digital age, including a $20 million 2007 overhaul, the Suburban Life reports.

According to the paper, Meisels—who served for three and a half decades as director—called that renovation “the culmination of my career” and proudly declares that even in the era of smartphones and Kindles, libraries remain a relevant and critical part of the community. 

“Life is change, so you have to keep up with it and be aware of it,” Meisels told the paper. “Libraries are very dynamic… They’ve always been there to provide information to people, and now we just have different ways of delivering that information. It’s pretty exciting.”

Wheaton Mayor Mike Gresk told the paper he remembered seeing Meisels in the library when he was a boy himself: “She’s impacted the lives of countless Wheaton individual’s families, influenced three or four generations of people, and Wheaton is fortunate to have had her in that capacity.”

A reception honoring Meisels’ service will be held Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Library (225 N. Cross St., Wheaton).

"All are invited to drop in and sign a keepsake book and express their best wishes to Sarah," an event post on Wheaton Patch reads. "Light refreshments served in Parkview Commons and at 3:00 p.m. there will be a brief presentation and recognition of service."

Read the full story at the Suburban Life website.