Dozens of people gathered at a special reception, Friday afternoon, June 26, to honor departing C.H. Booth Library director Janet Woycik. Hosted by the library Board of Directors, guests included many who have rubbed shoulders with Ms Woycik over the years, including staff, former staff, and town officials. All were there to celebrate Ms Woycik’s three decades plus of dedication, and to send her off knowing how much she was appreciated.

“We wish her well in her retirement after 30 years of commitment to the community,” said Martha Robilotti, president of the C.H. Booth Board of Directors.

Ken Wiggins, state librarian, battled traffic on I-84 to be at the event, he said, but with no regrets. “It was worth it, to be here,” he said, as he greeted Ms Woycik.

Judge William Lavery served on the Board of Directors for 20 years, beginning in 1991, and said that he believed there are two people who have done the most for the C.H. Booth Library. “One was Mary Hawley, by the donation of this building, her money, and her organization of the first board of directors,” Judge Lavery said, “and the other one is Janet.”

Ms Woycik's most significant contribution, he said, was in bringing the library into a "Twenty-first century, modern library," one of which the entire town can be proud.

He praised her also for leading an extraordinary staff, for the diverse programs and book collections she pioneered. "The were all great contributions to our community," Judge Lavery said.

“In the course of her 30 years, she’s done a fabulous job. She got along with everybody, and worked well with the Friends [of the C.H. Booth Library], who are very important to this place,” he said.

As guests sipped on bubbly and other refreshments, and snacked on appetizers prepared by Gary Seri, of Panino’s in Monroe, they paused to give Ms Woycik a hug and pass on words of appreciation. Comments reflected the admiration townspeople have for the effort Ms Woycik put into leading the library these past years.

“I’m sorry to see her go,” was the mantra of the afternoon, coupled with how happy they were that Ms Woycik would be getting a well-deserved rest, at last.

As a token of their appreciation, the Board presented Ms Woycik with pearl earrings, which Ms Robilotti said are the traditional gift for 30 years.

Staff also had a parting gift for Ms Woycik, a pewter wine chiller from Woodbury Pewter, inscribed with her name and dates of service to the library. Accompanying the pewter chiller was a treat for the director: a bottle of chocolate wine. “What could be better than two of everyone’s favorite things combined?” jested reference librarian Beryl Harrison.

“Of course, I’m a little sad about leaving,” Ms Woycik admitted, but she had plans in mind for her free time.

“I think I’ll be spending the summer enjoying some quiet time in Newtown, and I have plans to do lots of reading,” she said. “I have never had enough time for reading.”

Her long term plans include winters spent in Florida, she said, summers back in Connecticut — “and lots of vacations in between!”

Dozens of people gathered at a special reception, Friday afternoon, June 26, to honor departing C.H. Booth Library director Janet Woycik. Hosted by the library Board of Directors, guests included many who have rubbed shoulders with Ms Woycik over the years, including staff, former staff, and town officials. All were there to celebrate Ms Woycik’s three decades plus of dedication, and to send her off knowing how much she was appreciated.

“We wish her well in her retirement after 30 years of commitment to the community,” said Martha Robilotti, president of the C.H. Booth Board of Directors.

Ken Wiggins, state librarian, battled traffic on I-84 to be at the event, he said, but with no regrets. “It was worth it, to be here,” he said, as he greeted Ms Woycik.

Judge William Lavery served on the board of directors for 20 years, beginning in 1991, and said that he believed there are two people who have done the most for the C.H. Booth Library. “One was Mary Hawley, by the donation of this building, her money, and her organization of the first board of directors,” Judge Lavery said, “and the other one is Janet.”

“In the course of her 30 years, she’s done a fabulous job. She got along with everybody, and worked well with the Friends [of the C.H. Booth Library], who are very important to this place,” he said.

As guests sipped on bubbly and other refreshments, and snacked on appetizers prepared by Gary Seri, of Panino’s in Monroe, they paused to give Ms Woycik a hug and pass on words of appreciation. Comments reflected the admiration townspeople have for the effort Ms Woycik put into leading the library these past years.

“I’m sorry to see her go,” was the mantra of the afternoon, coupled with how happy they were that Ms Woycik would be getting a well-deserved rest, at last.

As a token of their appreciation, the Board presented Ms Woycik with pearl earrings, which Ms Robilotti said are the traditional gift for 30 years.

Staff also had a parting gift for Ms Woycik, a pewter wine chiller from Woodbury Pewter, inscribed with her name and dates of service to the library. Accompanying the pewter chiller was a treat for the director: a bottle of chocolate wine. “What could be better than two of everyone’s favorite things combined?” jested reference librarian Beryl Harrison.

“Of course, I’m a little sad about leaving,” Ms Woycik admitted, but she had plans in mind for her free time.

“I think I’ll be spending the summer enjoying some quiet time in Newtown, and I have plans to do lots of reading,” she said. “I have never had enough time for reading.”

Her long term plans include winters spent in Florida, she said, summers back in Connecticut — “and lots of vacations in between!”