Miss Joan and Miss Mary Beth will be missed by Milford children

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

To the Editor:

I am writing about a significant loss that I feel that the town of Milford has just suffered. For all of the 11 years that I have been with the Milford School District, I have known Miss Joan and Miss Mary Beth, the children’s librarians at the Wadleigh Library, and therefore, it comes with great sadness that my relationship with these two fine and generous ladies is coming to an end. But more than that, the relationship that they have built with the Milford elementary schools, and Jacques in particular, is one that has helped so many Milford students to understand their community and to begin their life-long love of reading. For many, many children, this has been the gateway to a full, rich, life of enjoying reading in all of its forms.

The library, and particularly these special ladies, have included the elementary schools in their summer reading programs. These dynamic programs have been filled with activities and magicians and all sorts of guest speakers. They have worked tirelessly to put together these multiple week events with the assistance of the library trustees and the director of the library.

It is with a love of books, a love of children and a love of reading that has permeated all of the work that they have done. They will be desperately missed by those who have known them. Unfortunately, there will be students and children who, from this point on, won’t have the opportunity to grow up under their guidance and caring. It is a very significant change that will be occurring in Milford.

At this time of remembrance and new beginnings, let us celebrate that we were able to take part in the gifts that Joan Bajek and Mary Beth Choquette gave us. We are looking forward to continuing to work with the Milford Wadleigh Library in exciting and positive ways, as I know we will, but the schools and I personally will miss these exceptional individuals.

JOHN FOSS

Principal, Jacques Elementary School