Marty Van Riddle, Long-Time Linden Librarian, has Passed Away

Editor's Note: The following was submitted by Ward Eight City Councilor Judi Bucci. It also appears on the Malden Public Library blog.]

Malden Public Library’s Linden Branch lost its heart and soul with the death of Martha (Marty) B. Van Riddle’s on June 3. Marty had served as Branch Supervisor for more than 20 years.

She shared her wisdom, humor, culture, and interest in the wide world with many of her Linden “children.”  They are now adults with wonderful memories of their librarian and how she inspired them. She remains alive as long as they are alive.  

Marty shared tears and joy with many adults who became her extended family. She loved learning about their different cultures, shared their foods and acquainted them with our ways. She always had time for the little ones—a tea party, a game of softball or a lively song on the piano. She loved watching them grow from babies to young adults, and many of their photographs adorn the walls of the Linden Branch.

It has been the city’s intention for the last few years to close the branch and Marty and Dina Malgeri were asked to define the importance of and need for such a tiny library. Some of the memories listed on the Net by Linden Library users express it best:

“We always enjoyed your wonderful sense of humor, your endless      knowledge, and the many interesting stories about your life and travels.  Christopher and Meghan have fond memories of coming to the Linden Library for tea parties, games and play acting...You will not be forgotten.”

“Linden has lost their matriarch. You certainly had an extended family with all the Linden Library patrons. Thank you for the fun filled afternoons spent at the library with Alycia and Erin. How they loved the silly Peter Rabbit game you played with them...”

“We have lost a wonderful friend and Linden will never be the same...You reached out to us through your humor, your thoughtfulness and caring, your whimsical songs, a story for the elders, encouragement and fun for the children. We weren’t patrons of the library, we are your extended family.  You will be missed.”

“Dear Marty, my family and I will miss you. You were an amazing human being.”     

An evening of remembering Marty will be held at the Linden Branch on Thursday,
June 23, 2011 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to celebrate her life and to share memories.