Samuel’s Public Library Bids Farewell and Happy Trails to Miss Pattie

On Wednesday, March 6, Samuel’s Public Library bid farewell and happy trails to one of its children’s librarians, Pattie McHugh Dodd, who has served the library for over a decade. With cake and a twenty-foot paper banner signed and hand printed by children who appreciate the librarian who was affectionately known as Miss Pattie, library staff and members of the community gathered to say goodbye and wish her well.

Samuel’s Public Library children’s librarian Pattie McHugh Dodd retires after over a decade of service. Photo credits courtesy of Michal Ashby.

“For over a decade Pattie has been my assistant in the children’s department,” says Michal Ashby, supervisor in the children’s department. “During that time, she brought magic to hundreds of story times for preschoolers and toddlers. She didn’t just read stories to the children, she brought the stories alive with a melodic voice, expressive face and lots of smiles. During her storytimes, she went out of her way to connect with both the children and their parents and grandparents. Each child particularly felt special because of Pattie. Each week, she offered crafts that were truly delightful. She often would show me the crafts and I delighted in how sweet they were.”

In her element, Miss Pattie reads to children.

Ashby continues: “Pattie also did a Music and Movement class that used music, toddler books, and yoga movements to bring joy to all babies and toddlers in our community. I would often peek in and see delighted smiles on the faces of the little ones in the program. Pattie has the extraordinary gift of bringing joy wherever she goes. I would often witness children at our reference desk delightedly sharing stories with Pattie and lots of smiles.”

(L) to (R): children’s librarian Pat LoPreto, retiring children’s librarian Pattie McHugh Dodd, and the children’s department supervisor Michal Ashby.

Ashby concludes: “Pattie also has made a huge difference to staff that have worked with her. She has a smile and a kind word for everyone. I cannot tell you how many times I have personally witnessed this. For example, she brought in a bunch of decorative seashells for the entire staff at her going away party. Many times, I found surprise gifts of flowers, berries, and sprigs of lavender on my desk. Pattie has the graciousness and kindness of very few people. She is a class act, one in a million and will be missed very much.”

Miss Pattie plans in her retirement to visit grandchildren, fully engage her passion for gardening, and go on road trips with her husband, Tom Dodd.