By Jacquie Owens
BPL Adult Services Librarian
Central New York will celebrate Margaret Van Patten as she retires from the Baldwinsville Public Library after 45 years of library service.
Starting out working as a page in the branches of the Central Library in Syracuse, she got her librarian’s certificate and moved to the Baldwinsville Library at 43 Oswego St. (the old Woolworth’s store) in October of 1979.
In 1995, she contributed to the planning and design of the current building at 33 East Genesee St., where she worked as an assistant librarian and reference/adult services librarian. When Marilyn Laubacher retired, Van Patten became the director on Aug. 31, 2012, and has continued to steer the ship for 12 years.
Besides working full time, Van Patten has devoted many service hours to volunteering with library and non-library organizations. Notable positions she’s held include as the president of the Reference and Adult Services Section of NYLA (New York Library Association), Public Library Section of NYLA, Rotary Club of Baldwinsville, Libraries Unlimited and the Central New York Library Resources Council (CLRC). She has also performed duties as a library liaison for the Baldwinsville Traveler’s Club (the founders of the Baldwinsville Library) and has been an advisor or officer to Vera House, Baldwinsville Central School District’s Arts Council, Northwest Human Services Council, McHarrie’s Legacy, Shacksboro School House Museum and the Baldwinsville Center for the Arts.
An avid baker, Van Patten has won multiple awards for her baking at the New York State Fair. She has also decorated gingerbread houses with children as part of the library’s holiday programs and has made countless treats for the staff over the years.
The Baldwinsville staff wishes Van Patten well on her new adventure in retirement and thanks her for her years of tireless service, making Baldwinsville Public Library the heart of the village.
On Sunday, Oct. 20, there will be a public reception at the library from 1 to 4 p.m. with presentations at 2 p.m. Stop by and congratulate Van Patten any time on that day. The library itself will be closed to services.