Beloved long-time children’s librarian Ann Mahon is retiring from South San Francisco Public Library after twenty-one years of dedicated service to children and teens. Ann began her career with the public library in 1991, after working in accounting firm research centers and school libraries. She was promoted to Program Manager for Children and Teens in 1999. For the achievement of bringing popular author Lemony Snicket (“A Series of Unfortunate Events”) to a spellbound audience, she was named Employee of the Year in 2006.
Ann’s career has focused on expanding library services to children and teens, and she has created and managed many innovative and inspiring programs. For example:
- Ann introduced a bilingual story time which includes movement, rhyme, songs and concentration games for babies, combined with educational tips for parents. “Bouncing Babies” has proved wildly popular and continues to attract hordes of parents and young children to the library each week.
- Ann has managed the summer tutoring program “Reader Leader” for over twenty successful years. This program matches middle school and high school students with elementary school students for six weeks of intensive one-on-one reading improvement during the summer.
- Ann is one of the founders of the popular children’s theater troupe “Pegasus Players” – staff librarians who transform themselves into puppeteers and offer stories, plays and poems for the enjoyment of countless children over many years of performing.
- Ann has always insisted on selecting the best books, movies and music for children, resulting in a comprehensive library collection that is entertaining, educational and inspiring.
“I have been so fortunate in my job as Children’s Manager and have been privileged to work with the families of South San Francisco,” says Ann. “I have worked with very creative staff members who believe deeply in the value of their work. We have learned so much together and had a great time along the way. I am so proud of our expanded early literacy programs and teen services and have no doubt my colleagues will continue successfully with my initiatives. Our community has been appreciative of all we have done over the years, and they deserve the very best we can offer. I will miss it all.”
“Miss Ann’s” warmth, kindness, caring, and goofy sense of humor will be sorely missed. Ann’s last day of work will be May 3. Please stop by the Main library to say goodbye, and to thank Ann for her outstanding years of service and dedication to children and families in our community.
