A reception to say farewell to Mason County Public Library Director Valerie Zempter, and to welcome new MCPL Director Steve Parrott was held Monday.

During the reception, Sally Teegarden, with the MCPL Board of Trustees presented a plaque to Zempter.

“We really appreciate everything you’ve done for the library,” she said. “You’ve had a great vision, you’ve been so organized, we’ve never had any issues with getting anything in on time, even when we didn’t know it had to be there. We appreciate the camaraderie with the employees and how you’ve made everyone feel at home here.”

Zempter said she will miss being with the library, but she is looking forward to retirement.

“It’s a sad time and a happy time,” she said. “I’ll miss working with the people of Mason County and my coworkers, as well as the excellent board members.”

Among those attending the reception were Zempter’s husband, Eric Zempter and a previous board of trustee member, Shelvy Wilson.

Eric Zempter said he was happy for his wife’s retirement.

“She’s the kind of person who puts her time in to whatever she wants to do because she wants to do it right,” he said. “She’s ready for a break, I think. It’s time for her to get out and enjoy it. She has a lot of family she likes to see. I think it seems right in the household. It’s felt that way, for about a year now. She does a lot of painting and she’s been showing an inclination of going back to that. I’m really happy for her.”

Wilson said she will miss seeing Zempter at the library.

“I’m happy that she’s going to be able to do what she wants to do, but she’s such a precious lady,” Wilson said. “She was able to get so much done at the library. I hope she can accomplish everything she wants to do in her retirement.”

Parrott said he appreciates all of the hard work Zempter has put into the library in the past several years.

“I’m glad we can have the reception, especially for Valerie-to honor her hard work from the last 12 years,” he said. “She’s done a tremendous job. The patrons knew her and she knew them. I can’t begin to say enough good about what she’s done. For me to step in and continue to do that-it’s what I’ve learned-take care of the patrons and the staff.”

Zempter started working for MCPL in 2006. Her last day will be Thursday.

Sally Teegarden presents a plaque to reetiring MCPL Director Valerie Zempter. Pictured with them is Charlotte Hilterbrand, Kent Butcher, Eric Zempter, Norlene Rice, Lauren Ekers, Pam Erskine, Michelle Shields, Shelvy Wilson and MCPL Director Steve Parrott.
https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/web1_IMG_1246-1.jpgSally Teegarden presents a plaque to reetiring MCPL Director Valerie Zempter. Pictured with them is Charlotte Hilterbrand, Kent Butcher, Eric Zempter, Norlene Rice, Lauren Ekers, Pam Erskine, Michelle Shields, Shelvy Wilson and MCPL Director Steve Parrott.

Christy Howell-Hoots

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