Cindy Olive
March 19, 1960-February 16, 2011
Cindy began her 25-year career at the Niles Public Library as a part-time Reference Librarian in May, 1983. She was responsible for answering reference and directional questions, instructing patrons in the use of information resources and maintaining the career file. In September of 1983, Cindy moved into a full-time position, where she added to her responsibilities the creation of pathfinders, lists that provide a collection of books, web sites and other materials on a particular subject. Many students credit Cindy’s pathfinders as one of the key information tools that helped them succeed with their research papers. Patrons with health, business and other information needs also benefitted from her expertise in resource gathering.
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Cindy briefly left the Niles Library in August of 1987 to attend The University of Illinois to earn a Certificate of Advanced Study and additional graduate credits in English. She returned in February 9, 1989 to her position as a full-time Reference Librarian, where she faithfully served the community until her death on February 16, 2011.
In addition to her pathfinders proficiency, Cindy’s accomplishments also included:
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Transcribing the recorded interviews for the Veterans History Project.
Selecting many of the books currently in the Library’s Languages and Literature Collection.
Maintaining and selecting items for the Periodicals Collection.
According to Niles Public Library Director Linda Weiss, who worked with Cindy for more than 20 years, “Cindy was as dedicated an employee as could be, and never hesitated to go the extra mile to help patrons locate information they needed for any conceivable topic. She will leave an empty space at the Library that will never be filled.”
Patrons are welcome to record their memories and condolences in a memorial book that will be located in the Reference Department on the second floor of the Niles Library. Staff and patrons are welcome to make a donation through our Gift Program in memory of Cindy. The staff will select appropriate materials which will be used by the Library patrons. Library staff agreed that this would be the perfect way to remember their longtime friend Cindy Olive.
