By Kristine Snodgrass, Staff Writer
ROCKY HILL The longtime director of the Mary Jacobs Library has announced her retirement, though visitors won’t miss her for long she plans to return as a volunteer.
Mei Mei Morris, who began her career at the library 25 years ago as a volunteer shelving books, will say goodbye at the end of the month. She will be replaced by Cynthia Mangel, who has served for three years as the head of youth services for the library, a branch of the Somerset County Library System.
”I’m sure I will miss it,” Ms. Morris said. “Twenty-five years is a long time, and I think it is time to retire.”
Asked what she would do with her spare time, she said she planned to return after taking a couple of months off.
”I’m going to volunteer at the library and search for lost books!” she said.
The public is invited to say farewell to Ms. Morris and meet Ms. Mangel at the library’s 35th anniversary celebration, an open house that will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Light refreshments will be provided and special activities will be held for children and adults, including music and crafts.
After joining the library, Ms. Morris earned a second master’s degree in library science the first is in social work from Rutgers University when her children were small.
She was named director of the library in 1989. During her tenure, she guided the library through two major expansions, which were completed in 1992 and 2005.
Her staff credits her for her willingness to take care of a wide range of tasks, from weeding the garden and taking out recycling to answering research questions and leading book discussions. They also said they understand and support her decision to retire.
”I tear up just thinking about the person she is,” said Sue Ridzy, head of circulation at the library. “Mei Mei is perfection personified.”
Ms. Morris also emphasized the quality of service for every library visitor as a goal for the entire staff, her colleagues said. Gail Madak, head of adult services, said she couldn’t imagine a replacement for Ms. Morris.
”I’m just focusing on how lucky we were to have Mei Mei as our director all these years,” she said. “She can’t be replaced; there could never be any comparison.”
Library administrative assistant Terri Coss also said it will be difficult to say goodbye to Ms. Morris.
”Mei Mei will have more time for her grandchildren and for gardening and reading,” she said. “It’s sad for us, but Mei Mei should do what’s best for her.”

