After 40 years of service, Bemis Library Director Margery Smith
has announced her retirement.
Smith’s retirement will be effective Dec. 15. Library Adult
Services Supervisor Phyllis Larison will serve as acting director
until a process is determined for selecting Smith’s permanent
replacement.
Smith began working for the City of Littleton in August, 1970 as
a part-time cataloger. She worked her way up to supervisor of
technical services and became the Bemis Library director in
1996.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in art history from Mount
Holyoke College and her master’s degree in librarianship from the
University of Denver. She worked previously as a library assistant
for the Museum of Contemporary Crafts and as a cataloger for the
Ford Foundation Library in New York City.
Among her many accomplishments, Smith oversaw major improvements
to Littleton’s only library. In 1998, a multi-phase renovation of
the facility began, which included the addition of 1,500
square-feet of space, new paint, carpet, lighting, furnishings,
electrical systems, landscaping, art, and parking lot improvements.
Most recently, Smith managed a project to install a fire sprinkler
system in the 45-year-old building.
Smith has been a strong supporter of the Littleton Immigrant
Resource Center and for reading materials for the visually
impaired. Following Hurricane Katrina, Smith took a four-month
leave of absence to help New Orleans libraries get back in
business, and made two other trips to assist in feline rescue
efforts.
“It is impossible to describe the magnitude of Margery’s
contributions to literacy, culture and community,” City Manager Jim
Woods said. “We owe her a debt of gratitude for all that she has
done to make Littleton a better place. Her shoes will be hard to
fill.”
A reception in Smith’s honor will be held at a later date.
