Mary Razor, manager of the Blytheville Library, started her career with the Mississippi County Library System in 1980. Blytheville is the largest branch in the MCLS. She has announced her plans to retire as of Dec. 29.
She admits the 43 years have passed fast and she has seen a lot of changes through the years. She has always tried to serve her customers to the best of her ability. She tries to treat others like she wants to be treated.
Her career started as a summer job through the CETA program. She was one of two young people chosen for the summer jobs at the library. At the time Jay Ziolko was the director and when the summer job ended, Ziolko hired her full time.
During her first years they divided their time between the Blytheville Library and the ANC Library. Eventually, ANC had their own staff and she remained in the Blytheville library.
“I’ve always enjoyed working here,” she said. “I have got to meet and work with so many wonderful children. People come in from out of town wanting to work on genealogy and I have tried to help. If I couldn't, I would refer them to someone who could help them.”
One of the biggest changes in her career is technology. It has changed the way things are done but some things, such as customer service, have remained the same for Mary.
“The library is still a great place to visit with a lot of service to offer and I will miss the people.”
Through the years she got to know her customers and what they liked to read. She would call and let them know when new materials arrived.
“I learned a lot from the kids I worked with,” Razor said.
She has worked for three library directors, Ziolko, Kevin Barron and presently Lowell Walters.
“They have all been very good to work for,” Razor said.
She is very organized and knows the library well and makes sure everything is clearly labeled and cataloged.
She is well known as Ms. Mary or Granny, the nice lady that works at the library. She will be missed but her co-workers all wish her well as she starts a new chapter in her life.
One thing is for sure, she will not be idle. She has plans to maybe tutor at ANC, do some home construction and stay busy.
“I can not cook or sew, but I can build you a house,” Razor said with a smile. “I will miss everyone but I will be dropping by.”
Razor said it has been a good career and she is happy to have been a part of the MCLS for over four decades.
Sometimes things just work out right and that summer job so long ago proved to be the start of a long, happy career for “Ms. Mary.”