The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — The Clifton Forge Public Library held a reception Wednesday evening to honor Dr. Elizabeth Locher, who retired on Sept. 30, and to welcome Karen Kuhn, who succeeded Dr. Locher as the new director of the Clifton Forge Public Library.
Clifton Forge Public Library Vice Chairman Gretel Anderson was the master of ceremonies for the occasion and welcomed all guests on behalf of the Clifton Forge Public Library Board of Trustees and Friends of the Library.
Anderson reported that the library is an integral part of the community and a great tool for children as well as adults.
“We are here to celebrate two directors, one retiring and one beginning her work here as director,” Anderson said. “The retiree, Dr. Elizabeth Locher — Elizabeth, as we know her — has worked diligently and the library has made great progress. More individuals are reading, using computers, having various meetings and displays. A job well done, and we will miss her.”
Anderson added, “The new director of library service, Mrs. Karen Kuhn, is starting out with lots of vim and vitality, and we are happy to have her as our new director, and we will continue to make progress. Come anytime to get books, use the computers.”
Anderson recognized Locher’s husband, Gerry, and also recognized Kuhn’s family: husband, Jaye, and son, Nicholas, who was not present. She also introduced the library staff: Shirley Brookman, Donnie Buzzard and Stephanie O’Meara.
Sally Putnam, library board chairman, presented a gift to Locher from the Clifton Forge Public Library Board of Trustees and Friends of the Library. Ann Drewry, treasurer of Friends of the Library, presented a journal to Locher.
Clifton Forge Town Manager Tracey Shiflett and Clifton Forge Mayor Don Carter presented a gift from the town to Locher, who noted that she was not leaving town for good and she has volunteered to work at the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center starting in November.
Kuhn has a master of library science degree from Wayne State University, a master of science in urban and regional planning from Eastern Michigan University and a bachelor of science in kinesiology from the University of Illinois, Chicago. She also has a Virginia Professional Librarian Certificate.
She has 13 years experience working as a professional librarian.
The present Clifton Forge Public Library Board of Trustees includes Sally Putnam, chairman; Gretel Anderson, vice chairman; Dr. Don Roberts; Pat Bennett-Wilhelm; Pat Davis; Ron Dowd; Martha Edwards; Joe Sargeant and Mac Beard.
