Departing Woodridge Librarian Gets Socially Distant Sendoff

WOODRIDGE, IL — Jane Malmberg, librarian and head of the Children's Department at Woodridge Public Library had been with the library for three years before announcing she was moving to New Hampshire. Due to the coronavirus crisis, the library couldn't give Malmberg a typical sendoff party on her last day, so they decided to improvise.

Members of the library's Children's Department and even some children Malmberg worked with made signs with loving messages and parked in the library's parking lot to give Malmberg a special sendoff. The signs included messages like "We Will Miss You" and "Goodbye and Good Luck."

Woodridge Library spokesperson Patti Naisbitt said Malmberg has been "endearing herself to patrons and staff with her open and welcoming style, creativity and tireless work, adding creative programs and working diligently with the staff to curate a fabulous collection of children's books" during her time at the library.

After the coronavirus shutdown closed the library, Malmberg took to hosting virtual story time by reading to her dog.