Retiring North Adams Library Leaders Honored for Efforts
  Library Director Marcia Gross, top, and children's librarian Marion Grillon were honored as Northern Berkshire Heroes on Friday |
Marcia Gross and Marion Grillon, who are both retiring, were recognized at Northern Berkshire Community Coalition's annual meeting on Friday at the Williams Inn for the efforts to better the quality of life in the community and their contributions to health of the local environment.
Gross came to the city library from the Milne Public Library a decade ago at a critical time in the North Adams institution's existence, said longtime friend and library trustee Hulda Jowett. Gross is best-known for her dedication in overseeing all aspects of the expansion of the century-old mansion and its status as a green building for using sustainable energy.
She is the city's 10th librarian, the ninth operating out of the Blackinton Mansion.
"We all know what a wonderful thing our library is and we're all very, very proud of the building we have at the head of Main Street," said Jowett, vice chairman of the trustees. "But it wouldn't be there and it wouldn't be like it is today if it wasn't for Marcia Gross."
The building was not only dated, its lending systems were as well, she said. "Things were kind of old-fashioned up there."
The only computer was locked in a cabinet because no one knew how to use it; there were few VHS tapes and no DVDs. The card cabinet was the only way to find out what was in the stacks.
It was Gross who oversaw the modernization of the library's inner workings along with its complete makeover and restoration.
"Underneath that mild-mannered exterior is a will of steel," said Jowett. "If Marcia wants something and you tell her she can't have it, she'll find a way to get it anyway. When our architect shook his head about a green building, she make him go back to school to learn how to build a green building."
  Top, Mayor John Barrett III and library trustee Hulda Jowett. Left, trustee Richard Markham. |
"She had a vision to get this library to a state-of-art position," said Barrett of Gross. "One thing any community has to have is a good library. Our walk through life is a short one, but if you can touch the life of not only the people of your generation but also people you'll never know, then you've done good.
"That person to me today is Marcia Gross. I wish her nothing but the best in her retirement."
Trustee Richard Markham said the city owed "her a debt of gratitude for all the work. She's geniunely been a hero, someone who has challenged conventions, moved beyond what was habitual, so we could have a library of which we all could be proud."
Grillon, a former elementary teacher, is also retiring despite the mayor's attempts to coax her to stay a little longer, he said.
She knows how to reach out to kids from diverse backgrounds, from low-income to high, and get them respond positively, said the mayor. "That's the sign of a good educator as well as a good children's librarian — that ability to connect. ... The building is beautiful but it's only as good as the people in it."
Jowett said both women had worked closely in designing a range of "fabulous" programs to attract and interest children. "Who would have thought anyone would bring llamas up the stairs so the children could learn about them? It's one of our most popular programs."
Technology manager Richard Moon, who will be stepping in as interim director when Gross retires in August, pointed out how Grillon was a staunch devotee of recycling and active in the Take Charge conservation campaign. She'd designed informational displays energy resource kits that have circulated through more than a 150 libraries.
Gross, he said, "is a great lady, and a great boss, a tough one, too. We're going to miss them both."
Gross and Grillon gave credit to their colleagues and supporters and accepted their awards as recognition of the library."I'm sort of speechless after this," said Gross. "I feel very privileged ... the past 10 years have been very exciting years for me and I've enjoyed everything."
She was particularly proud of the fact that the library was the first public library in New England LEED-certifed.
"I'm so glad I had the opportunity to participate in this endeavor I hope we have set an example for other libraries, families and businesses and they will engage in energy efficiencies."
While it was quite an honor, said Grillon, "we're really just doing our part to fulfill the mission of the library to be a leader and cooperate with schools and organizations to provide services.
"I hope people will be inspired to come and take advantage of all that is available through the wonderful institution that is the library. Thank you for recognizing us and the wonderful institution we represent."
"I don't know how we're going to replace these folks but we're going to do our best," said Barrett.
