Well Known Knox County Librarian Retiring

By Echo Menges

Knox County librarian, Marilyn Goodwin, is retiring on September 1, 2013, after a long career involved in education and libraries.

After graduating from now Truman State University, Mrs. Goodwin held positions in public education and libraries, taught library science classes at TSU for 10 years, and then began 32 years as the librarian at the Knox County Library.

During her tenure Mrs. Goodwin has introduced many new programs and services, received grants for new technology and expanded the inventory to include FAX, computers, CDs, DVDs, microfilm, family histories as well as many more books and magazines for public use.

Most recently she has ushered the Knox County Library into the digital future by overseeing the process of making electronic books (e-books) available for checkout. She has also overseen the libraries complete transition into digital record keeping.

During the weeks leading up to the party assistant librarian Tracy Mallett laid out old newspaper clippings and pictures highlighting just how long Goodwin has been conducting the business of the Knox County Library.

On Saturday morning, July 27, 2013, a retirement party was held for Mrs. Goodwin at the library. The children’s section of the library was flooded with well-wishers throughout the party who came to see Mrs. Goodwin and reminisce about her many, many years as librarian over cake and refreshments.

Truly, the retirement of Marilyn Goodwin marks the end of an era and the Knox County Library will not be the same without her.

“I will miss greeting people each day as they enter the library and also the many volunteers who have helped the library service over the years,” said Mrs. Goodwin. “I’m happy to have served many children who are now adults who bring their children and grandchildren to the library.”