After 41 years, Librarian Arlene McMahon made the decision to retire from the Highland Public Library as of October 30, 2024. She was honored with a Pride Of Ulster County award from Legislator Gina Hansut.

 

Hansut read the wording on the award from the Ulster County Legislature, “for the many hats she has worn including teaching classes and innovating programming. She has touched multiple generations and the community at large. Out community will be forever grateful for the lives she has touched, stories she has read and pages she has turned, every stitch of thread in a project and the memories she has made for little ones and adults alike. Thank you for your dedication, outstanding commitment and tradition of excellence you have given to Ulster County.”  

 

McMahon said, “I started as a volunteer and then they hired me. I am going to miss everybody but I really do like working here. I like my co-workers and the patrons too, they’re wonderful, and I like doing crafts and story-time, of course.”

 

Library Director Julie Kelsall-Dempsey has researched past directors and employees of the library, “and a lot of our staff has been here for 30 years, but no one has been here as long as Arlene. You are going to be missed.”

 

Hansut said, “thank you for touching so many lives and I hope you enjoy this next chapter of whatever that book is that will bring you to something else.”