School district renames library for late longtime staffer
BALLSTON LAKE, N.Y.» Friday afternoon, the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District honored the late Mary Joan Egan by re-naming the library at Francis L. Stevens Elementary School the Mary Joan Egan Library Media Center.
Egan, who worked in Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School district for 46 years, was remembered by elected officials, school officials, colleagues and family during a special dedication in the elementary school’s gymnasium.
According to a program handed to the crowded room, Egan was known as a pioneer and fearless innovator, integrating new technologies into traditional libraries.
Egan was an adjunct professor at the University at Albany for 23 years. She served as the district liaison to Albany-Schoharie BOCES School Library System as well as winning numerous awards like the 1999 Capital Area School District Administrator’s Administrator of the Year.
Former New York state senator, Hugh Farley, introduced a Legislative Resolution to the New York State Senate honoring Egan, posthumously, for her service and career success.
“Throughout her career, Mary Joan sought to advance librarianship through her service to state agencies, regional groups and her many professional affiliations,” the program read. “She was a highly successful grant writer, and acquired funding for many of her groundbreaking advances, often with the help of our most famous library promote in New York State, the honorable Senator Hugh Farley.”
Additionally, Stevens Elementary Students, directed by Cathy Mele, performed three songs for the crowd before former library director, Marge Rizzo, and Egan’s daughter, Maureen Egan Buhrmaster, offered words of remembrance. “Her inimitable legacy is one of service, leadership and innovation,” the program said. “We are left to admire the fortitude and passion that she brought to her every endeavor.”
the park naturalist.
Programs are held weather permitting and are subject to change. Call the park office to confirm event date, time and location. Participants should be prepared to spend time outside and are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Registration is required for most activities and there are program fees with all classes. If there are no participants signed up, classes can be cancelled at the discretion of the park.
Moreau Lake State Park is located off Northway Exit 17S.
For information call (518) 793-0511.