Farewell to Julie in the library

The Brigid craft event at Kilcullen Library was briefly paused last evening when a group of Julie O'Donoghue's friends and library patrons gathered to wish her well in her retirement after 47 years as Librarian, writes Brian Byrne. It was an occasion for flowers, cake, and fitting words. 

Mary Orford highlighted Julie's remarkable achievement as Kilcullen's only librarian since the branch opened in the late 1970s. She mentioned that Julie can be justifiably proud of many events and projects she initiated during her tenure, particularly the WW1 commemoration of the Kilcullen men who fought in it. Among the series of Memory Night events, the Kilcullen to Katanga night in 2017, which offered a historical overview and featured local participants sharing personal experiences of the Congo Campaign, was also a 'remarkable' occasion. 

Mary, a retired librarian herself, observed that a library is a "democratic space for everybody," but that, with all the books in the world, it doesn't function without the person behind the desk. Julie expressed her love for the job, especially the people she met, notably the children. "I got lovely cards from the children in Scoil Bhride, and if I have any legacy, it is that no child is afraid to come in here." 

A new librarian will take over from March, and the service is being expanded with opening hours increased to 35 hours per week. "I have met her, and she's a lovely lady, very enthusiastic and eager to get started," Julie said. "So there's a lot to look forward to." 

Flowers were presented on behalf of the branch readers and by Kilcullen Community Action, which developed the Library Garden.

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