Retiring Library Workers Recognized for Decades of Service in Westfield

Lillian (Betty) McEvoy, Miryam Block, and Barbara Tobin are retiring after 76 years of collective service

Westfield, NJ – June 26, 2026 – The Library’s Board of Trustees expressed their deep appreciation to Miryam Block, prior to their regular meeting on June 24, 2026. A senior librarian in the Technical Services department, Block will be retiring on July 1st, following 20 years of dedicated service to the residents of Westfield.

Miryam will be joined by Lillian “Betty” McEvoy who retired on May 5, following 29 years of service, and Barbara Tobin who will be retiring on August 1, after 27 years with the library.

Block, McEvoy, and Tobin were collectively employed in the library’s Technical Services department for more than 75 years. Their work involved the cataloging, classification, and processing of all books and other physical materials in the library’s collection, ensuring that patrons could access materials efficiently and reliably.

“A vast majority of their expert work was accomplished behind the scenes, quiet and invisible to the public,” says Allen McGinley, Library Director. “But the results of their dedication was felt every time you pulled a book from the shelves. The library simply could not run without their efforts.”

“Westfield Memorial Library is a better institution because of the contributions of Betty, Barbara, and Miryam, and they will all be deeply missed,” continued McGinley. “We wish them everything that they helped to provide over the course of their careers – good books, new discoveries, and time well spent.”