The library’s Board of Trustees and Library Director Becky Duncan decided to honor Reiss’s legacy by creating a space to remember this remarkable woman who dedicated 60 years to the library profession. Reiss began her librarian journey as a volunteer in 1965 and soon became the Head Librarian and eventually the Library Director in Erie, where she oversaw many changes in operations and technology – while being a friend and inspiration to so many!
To provide a place for remembrance and reflection, board members had a memorial bench installed across from the circulation desk, and last month a nameplate was placed on the bench, stating: “In Loving Memory of Laurel Reiss: Honoring six decades of service and dedication to our library.” Above the bench is a framed newspaper article highlighting Reiss and library staff from 2011.
With the memorial bench complete, members of Erie Public Library’s Board of Trustees shared their thoughts on Reiss and her impact on the community:
“Laurel showed a tremendous level of pride, caring and love for the Erie Library, the staff and the patrons of the library. It was her second home,” said Trustee Matt Newton.
Helene Schulze, Erie Public Library Treasurer, shared: “My library connection to Laurel the Librarian began in 1985 when I was first elected to serve on the library board. I was appointed to be treasurer and (40 years later) still hold that position. Laurel was the board’s guide to all things library.
“Many things have changed over the years. In 2008-2009 an addition was added to the library. Computers changed many of the library processes and allowed for much more content to be accessed. Who can forget the COVID lockdown and the changes it required? Through all the changes Laurel provided the board with information and guidance for making positive policy decisions.
“Several years ago I questioned Laurel’s quest for large print books. Today, as a user of large print books myself, her decision was brilliant! Laurel was always finding ways to improve our services, meeting the library’s patrons’ questions and needs.
“Laurel was my friend and I miss those days conferring on library business and sharing our lives. She put down a firm foundation for the Erie Public Library to continue into the future.”
Trustee Marsha Dail remarked that “Laurel loved her job and she cared about people. Anyone. Always.”
Kathy Kuhnen, Library Clerk and life-long Erie resident, said “Laurel was an icon whose vision, dedication, and leadership helped shape our public library into what it is today. I was fortunate to know her first as a child visiting the library, and later I was privileged to get to work for her. She inspired countless people through her commitment, and her legacy will live on in the library she helped build and in the many lives she touched.”
Trustee Curt Huizenga said he’s been on the board for about 20 years, and “as a new and old trustee, Laurel was always willing to help me with any questions I had about library business. She dedicated her life to the library and the patrons. Laurel loved her job and showed that by working for 57 years. How many of us could say that about our jobs?”
Reiss’s obituary stated that “Laurel loved her work for the library. She also served her community as an EMT on the Erie Ambulance for 20 years and was a longtime member of the Erie Christian Church, where she taught Sunday School and was active in many ministries. She enjoyed being a farm wife and caring for the many farm cats over the years. She also was known for nursing numerous wild animals back to health that had been injured.”
So the next time you’re at the Erie Public Library, you’ll know there’s a space to remember an intelligent, endearing, and honorable woman who dedicated so much to Erie and the surrounding communities.
