Contributed Photo
‘Miss Kathi’ Gordon, in a photo posted recently to the Derby Neck Library’s Facebook page.
DERBY — Longtime Derby Neck Children’s Librarian Kathi Gordon will retire Dec. 10 and is ready to embark on the next chapter of her life.
The beloved “Miss Kathi” has been entertaining Valley children through her lively music and movement activities, arts and crafts time and reading programs for the last 16 years. She spoke with the Valley Indy Monday for a parting interview before she heads west to Arizona.
Valley Indy: Why is now the right time to retire?
Gordon: I probably wouldn’t have retired right away, but the whole COVID thing kind of pushed it. Plus, I have a new granddaughter, Willow Rose, who I can’t wait to spend time with. I’m ready to start a new adventure.
Valley Indy: When is your last official day on the job?
Gordon: My last day is Dec. 10 and I’ll be heading to Arizona Dec. 19. I will, however, continue to host some (virtual) programs on Facebook, music and story time and Zoom craft time during the same times we held them in person. (The library had to shut down in-person programming in mid-March due to the ongoing pandemic)
Valley Indy: What’s a typical day been like for you at work?
Gordon: Pretty much holding music and movement programs for kids of all ages, ordering children’s materials for the room and setting up reading programs.
Valley Indy: Do you have a favorite program?
Gordon: Music and movement is probably my favorite. I love seeing the parents, grandparents and caregivers interacting with the children. We dance and sing to CD’s or I would play my guitar, my ukulele or my dulcimer (a small, four-string guitar) on my lap, while the children would dance around using shakers, bells, pom poms and all kinds of things. I also love our annual end of summer beach party, which we hold outside in the garden, set up sandboxes and kiddie pools and eat all kinds of snacks and play games. Everyone really loves it.
Valley Indy: What will you miss most about working here?
Gordon: The patrons and the children and the interaction with everyone. It’s been so hard not seeing everyone in person because of COVID, but we’ve been doing virtual lessons and programs on Facebook to keep kids entertained still.
Valley Indy: How excited are you about becoming a first-time grandma and retiring to Arizona to be closer to your new granddaughter and family?
Gordon: I became a grandmother on May 30 when my granddaughter Willow Rose was born. I was able to spend a lot of time with her, my daughter and her husband when I visited them in Arizona (from June to Sept.) this summer. It’s going to be so much fun sharing my love of music and reading with Willow Rose. We’re going to have a lot of new adventures together. I bought a house in Arizona and I’ll be driving across country, leaving Dec. 19, with my cat Stanley as my traveling companion.
Valley Indy: Are you originally from CT?
Gordon: I grew up in New Jersey, went to the University of Bridgeport (earned a degree in elementary education) and lived in the same house in Norwalk for more than 40 years. I’m definitely going to miss it here, but the landscape and the mountains in Arizona are so beautiful and I’m really looking forward to it.
Valley Indy: What did you do prior to coming to Derby Neck Library?
Gordon: I was director of the Rowayton Library, and also was their children’s librarian for several years, and also did some part time work at the Stamford Nature Center. I also work part time as the children’s librarian at the Norwalk Library. I’ve been working in libraries for more than 25 years. It’s been especially rewarding working with the kids. Seeing them grow up, seeing them develop and have a love for music has been wonderful. It’s been so encouraging to see the grown-ups partaking in the programs, too.
Valley Indy: Working in libraries for so long, do you have a favorite book?
Gordon: The Harry Potter Series, I really enjoy that. Those books really got more families reading together and I really appreciate that.
Valley Indy: What’s something people might not know about you?
Gordon: I used to work full-time as a scenic carpenter for Broadway shows. I helped build sets for many Andrew Lloyd Weber shows and worked on the Siegfried and Roy show in Las Vegas. It was so much fun hammering nails, doing electrical work and painting sets.
Valley Indy: Any parting words for all those who will miss you dearly?
Gordon: I’m very thankful to the Derby Neck Library and the staff and for all the faith they had in me. It’s been wonderful. I’m going to miss them all, and the parents who trusted me with their little ones, and of course, I will definitely miss the children. But perhaps while in Arizona, I may find a local library that could use someone to help sing, play music and read to the kids there.
