Words of recognition
Mayville honors library director’s 20 years of service
Photo by Robert Marsala Library Board of Trustees President Pat Appelbe (left) welcomes guests as Assistant Library Director Elizabeth Schmitz (center) and Library Director Melissa Bartok look on.
Photo by Robert Marsala It was standing room only as residents and friends came out to celebrate Library Director Melissa Bartok’s 20 years of service at the library. Nearly 100 guests attended.
Photo by Robert Marsala Guests enjoy refreshments provided by the Library Board of Trustees and staff.
Photo by Robert Marsala Library Board of Trustees President Pat Appelbe (left) welcomes guests as Assistant Library Director Elizabeth Schmitz (center) and Library Director Melissa Bartok look on.
Photo by Robert Marsala It was standing room only as residents and friends came out to celebrate Library Director Melissa Bartok’s 20 years of service at the library. Nearly 100 guests attended.
Photo by Robert Marsala Guests enjoy refreshments provided by the Library Board of Trustees and staff.
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MAYVILLE - Despite the chill and rain, nearly 100 patrons and friends came out on Aug. 24 to offer congratulations to Mayville Library Director Melissa Bartok during a public celebration of her 20 years of service at the village's library. The Tourgee Room was decorated cheerfully with streamers, banners, and many flowers to further ward off the gray day, and a table of refreshments awaited the guests.
Library Board of Trustees President Pat Appelbe kicked off the celebration with welcoming remarks, high praise, and recognition of Bartok's accomplishments during her two decades there. Appelbe also highlighted the many programs and services, displays, and activities under Bartok's direction that make the library a second home for many residents. "Exceedingly genuine in nature, Melissa strengthens community connections while promoting lifelong learning opportunities to all our patrons," Appelbe said. "We are so fortunate to have her at our helm."
Following Appelbe's comments, Library Board Vice President Laura Marsala presented Bartok with a commemorative plaque "for 20 years of exceptional dedication and outstanding service to the Mayville Library" on behalf of board members and staff. Assistant Library Director Elizabeth Schmitz, who has worked by Bartok's side for the past 20 years, then shared some personal words, thanking Bartok for her kindness, openness, and guidance, stating that Bartok has made the library "the heart of the community," a comment that was affirmed by the audience. Schmitz then presented Bartok with a book, "The Library Lion," and asked guests to sign it so that Bartok would have a very personal keepsake from the day.
Also on hand to offer congratulations was Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System Executive Director Jan Dekoff, who praised Bartok's dedication, professionalism, and enthusiasm. Dekoff emphasized the importance of a good librarian, staff, and board, noting that the Mayville community was fortunate to have all three. Following Dekoff's remarks, Bartok addressed the crowd with gratitude for their support and acknowledgments. "When I started this job as library director, my goal was to make the library the heart of the community, and I thank everyone for their support," she said.
Guests were then invited to help themselves to refreshments provided by board members and staff. As children bustled in and around the adults, guests chatted cordially among themselves while waiting for a chance to extend their wishes directly to the guest of honor and sign the book. "What a great way to spend a gloomy afternoon," one guest was overheard saying. Judging by the energy in the room, it seemed to be the consensus.