Cassville Children’s Librarian Retires
Two old friends, Rowena Hutchens (left) and Verna Fry (right), enjoy a conversation at Fry’s celebration. Photo by Ezra DeVore.
August 4, 2021
Ezra DeVore
After a storied past of thirteen years at the Cassville Public Library, and 30 years of teaching elementary school at Southwest, Verna Fry has retired; her final day at the library was Friday, July 30. Although Fry worked for thirteen years at the Cassville Library, it wasn’t until 2011 that she became full time, and fell in love with the new position that came with it: youth services. When asked what the most rewarding part of her time at the library was, Fry spoke of the kindness children can show. “My little bitty guys,” she began, “my preschoolers, they participate, they care, they love to learn.” With tears welling in her eyes, Fry warmly said what she would miss most: “Their unconditional love.”
“They’re like my grandchildren,” she said, “because I don’t have any.”
It truly seems Verna Fry is well-informed of unconditional love, as that is all that could be seen in her eyes.
From here, Fry is planning to rest, then hopefully visit “Scotland, Ireland, and England,” she said, excitedly.
The Cassville Public Library held a celebration in honor of her many years of service to the local children of our communities on July 30.
Ezra DeVore
After a storied past of thirteen years at the Cassville Public Library, and 30 years of teaching elementary school at Southwest, Verna Fry has retired; her final day at the library was Friday, July 30. Although Fry worked for thirteen years at the Cassville Library, it wasn’t until 2011 that she became full time, and fell in love with the new position that came with it: youth services. When asked what the most rewarding part of her time at the library was, Fry spoke of the kindness children can show. “My little bitty guys,” she began, “my preschoolers, they participate, they care, they love to learn.” With tears welling in her eyes, Fry warmly said what she would miss most: “Their unconditional love.”
“They’re like my grandchildren,” she said, “because I don’t have any.”
It truly seems Verna Fry is well-informed of unconditional love, as that is all that could be seen in her eyes.
From here, Fry is planning to rest, then hopefully visit “Scotland, Ireland, and England,” she said, excitedly.
The Cassville Public Library held a celebration in honor of her many years of service to the local children of our communities on July 30.
Mindi Artherton (left) visits the lovely snack table hosted by Rick Lawson (right) at the reception held at the Cassville Library in honor of Verna Fry’s retirement. Photo by Ezra DeVore.