Englehardt Librarian Chris Straw Set to Retire

Librarian Chris Straw will retire from KDL’s Englehardt Library at the end of February. After 11 years of working at the branch, she will take countless memories with her into the next chapter of her life. As a Branch Librarian, Straw’s emphasis over the years has focused on programming, activities, and displays for youth patrons.

From the Classroom to the Library
Straw started her career as an elementary school teacher before transitioning to working in libraries. She has held positions at school libraries, including Davenport University Library, as well as public libraries.

​She has learned a lot over the past decade while working in Lowell. “Everyone who comes in our doors deserves to be treated with respect and compassion,” comments Straw. “For some patrons we are the only person they speak to every day, so we need to make sure that interaction is filled with kindness.”

For the youngest of patrons, Miss Chris is a fun adult who will read, sing, play, and be silly. For others, she’s the kind face available to help answer questions or just have a conversation when visiting the library.

Focus on Youth
From her start at the Englehardt Library, Straw’s experience from working as a teacher was put to good use. She ran a Babytime program offering time for moms and babies to sing songs, play, and socialize. Her programming focus of late was Family Storytime, which was her favorite program to run because of its “songs, rhymes, stories, and silliness” according to Straw. She has also done outreach programs, traveling to area preschools and daycares.

Straw also spent 10 years on the Summer Wonder Workgroup, which plans and prepares for the summer reading program each year. Additionally, she has worked with fellow librarian Lynda Austin updating the library’s KDLville. This section of the library provides a place for kids to play, look for books, and find enrichment activities. Straw and Austin have worked together establishing themes for the area, creating bulletin board displays, having a writing craft available, and putting together monthly take-home crafts for kids.

Straw’s dedication to those who entered the library has been easy to see over the years. “From the ​kids’ faces you could tell how much they enjoyed [Storytime]. The monthly activities that she arranges in our youth area [were] also special,” comments Englehardt and Alto Branch Manager Sandy Graham. “While Chris’ main focus was youth, her service to adults is excellent as well. Whether it is help finding a book or needing help with the computers, her customer service is fantastic!” she says, complimenting Straw.

Straw could be considered an expert when recommending books to children, however, she also enjoys reading a variety of genres so she would be able to make recommendations. One of her favorite book categories is historical fiction.

Colleagues Turned Friends
Austin was part of the team that interviewed Straw 11 years ago. The two women began working together from the start of Straw’s time at Englehardt. “Lynda is wonderful,” says Straw. “I would not have enjoyed this job as much if it weren’t for her.” She went on to say that while they can be different from each other they also are the same in many ways making their working relationship such that they can finish each other’s sentences. Straw jokes about how she taught Austin to use lesson plans for programs as a means to keep organized.

Austin agrees with Straw’s assessment of their relationship saying, “We complemented each other’s strengths and knew when to take over one task to allow the other to focus on something else.” She adds, “She always had fun in her job and that joy was transmitted in her working with kids.” The two worked part time on many of the same projects, however, at times it was like they were one full time person with how well they complimented each other.

One of the programs the duo worked on together was talking to first-grade students as part of a walking tour of downtown Lowell. During a stop at the library, kids learn about programming, are encouraged to get a library card, and are read a story. Austin says the best part of this presentation has been the dramatic reading of a picture book. One year Let’s Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy by Jan Thomas was the featured book. Austin’s performance included a paper mustache attached to her upper lip with a loop of tape. By the time the third class was visiting the tape was losing its stickiness. During a singing portion of the act, she blew her mustache into the crowd of kids. Austins says she and Straw barely kept it together without breaking into laughter. “Makes me laugh and tear up to remember it,” reflects Austin.

Heading into Retirement
While youth won’t be a major focus of her work life, Straw looks forward to using shaky eggs, reading stories, and being silly with her grandchildren in retirement. Some of her favorite children’s books include ​Wide Mouth Frog, The Little Mouse, and The Red Ripe Strawberry.

Straw will look to remain active in her church and other organizations. She’s also a mentor through KDL’s partnership with Affinity Mentoring. She will continue to meet with the student she has been paired with after learning KDL. Straw’s husband, Dave, retired a couple of months ago. The two are looking forward to exploring new places as well.

February 28th will be Straw’s last day on the job at Englehardt. She says she loved being known as “Miss Chris”. Straw will be missed by colleagues as well as patrons she has become acquainted with over the years. She concludes with, “​We are so lucky to have such a beautiful library in Lowell with outstanding, caring staff. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this library for 11 years. Also I think everyone should dance and sing to ‘The Goldfish Song’ at least once a week. Seeing the kids dance and sing with me always brings a smile to my face.”