One hundred or so family members, friends and former colleagues assembled Thursday at Park Elementary School to rename the school library for Mary Kay O’Neil, the librarian there for most of the 25 years she worked for Durango School District 9-R.
O’Neil died May 10, 2014, from complications of cancer.
A sign bordered with books hangs above the door, announcing the Mary Kay O’Neil Library. A high-backed wooden circle where O’Neil read to students was decorated with some of the children’s favorites.
O’Neil was known to many kindergartners as “Liberry.”
Books in the lightwell that illuminates the circle represent the freedom and flights of fancy that reading brings, Park Principal Kathleen Lau said in opening remarks at Thursday afternoon’s dedication.
The reading-circle decorations were created by local artist Amy Felker.
Kerri Merkel, the current librarian, carries on O’Neil’s tradition. She gathers all classes in the circle every day to read to them.
For Brittany Craig, the dedication brought back a voice from the past. O’Neil read to her from kindergarten through fifth grade, said Craig, a teacher in her fifth year at Park.
“I remember her voice most of all,” Craig said. “Our favorite books were by Eric Carle.”
Susan Collins, who would sub for O’Neil when she was out for treatment, also was a close friend.
“She loved children, and she was always willing to help,” Collins said. “I thought a lot of her.”
daler@durangoherald.com
