Senate Resolution No. 1799

BY: Senator HELMING

HONORING Mary E. Ferris upon the occasion of her
retirement after 50 years of distinguished service
to Wood Library in Canandaigua, New York on March 1,
2024

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Mary E. Ferris upon the occasion of her retirement after 50 years of
distinguished service to Wood Library in Canandaigua, New York on March
1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, For the past 50 years, Mary Ferris has rendered faithful,
conscientious, and valuable service to Wood Library in Canandaigua, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Starting as Wood Library's first-ever children's librarian
on February 1, 1974, Mary Ferris is responsible for all library
programming for children from birth through 5th grade; she will close
the book on an illustrious career that has positively impacted the lives
of thousands of children and families over a half-century on March 1,
2024; and

WHEREAS, A highly educated individual, Mary Ferris is a graduate of
the University at Albany and earned her Master of Library and
Information Science at SUNY Geneseo; and

WHEREAS, Known for her lively and innovative children's programming,
Mary Ferris has encouraged young readers with silly stories, magical
flannel boards, and songs that get even the shyest children singing and
dancing; over the years, Mrs. Ferris has compiled an impressive array of
popular programs, including Mother Goose Time, Time for Twos, Tail
Wagging Tutors, Leggo My Legos, Biblio-Bop Dance Party, Bedtime Stories,
Sensory Playtime, and Take Your Child to the Library Day; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to encouraging the community to read, Mary Ferris
created the Book Bundles project with themed collections of books for
children and families to "grab and go"; remarkably, over 400 bundles
were circulated in 2022; she also brought reading beyond the walls of
the library, establishing the StoryWalk at Baker Park and the Adventure
Backpack initiative for kids to learn about and explore the great
outdoors; and

WHEREAS, During the challenges of the pandemic, Mary Ferris utilized
her creativity and can-do spirit to create a virtual Story Time for
families, a program that continues to this day and attracts fans from
across the country; and

WHEREAS Promoting library services within the community, Mary Ferris
has organized outreach programs at local schools, daycare centers,

churches, and the YMCA; she can be seen cheering on kids at the
Kindergarten bus run or reading stories at summer camps while sporting
unforgettable costumes; and

WHEREAS, Mary Ferris is a 50-year member of the New York Library
Association, representing the Public Library Section and Youth Services
Section; she has served in numerous positions including President, 1st
Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Director; and

WHEREAS, A true inspiration in her community, Mary Ferris is the
founding member of the Community Reading Partnership, providing literacy
programs and promoting reading in the home and community; she has served
as chair of this organization since 2007; she is also the founding
member of Genesee Storytellers, a professional storytelling troupe that
performs programs for audiences of all ages and conducts workshops for
adults on the art of storytelling; and

WHEREAS, As a testament to her connection with kids, Mary Ferris has
received numerous awards and recognitions for her incredible career and
service to local children and families, including the Business Ethics
Award from Canandaigua Rotary; the Woman of Distinction-Youth Services
Award by the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce and Business and
Professional Women's Club; and the Pied Piper Award from the Youth
Services Section of the New York Library Association; and

WHEREAS, Making every child feel special, Mary Ferris cares deeply
about helping children develop a lifelong love for reading; and

WHEREAS, In her capacity as Children's Librarian, Mary Ferris served
with loyalty, honor and distinction; and

WHEREAS, In her official acts, Mary Ferris was governed by a keen
sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems,
earning the admiration, esteem, and affection of her colleagues; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mary E. Ferris upon the occasion of her retirement after 50 years
of distinguished service to Wood Library in Canandaigua, New York on
March 1, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mary E. Ferris.