Paul Crandall retires after 22 years as head librarian Stockbridge CADL

Paul Crandall and wife Jo Mayer plan to vacation out West, he says. Then he unbuttons his tropical shirt to reveal a T-shirt imprinted with a list of “America’s National Parks.”

Is Paul Crandall (right) looks forward to not having to leave for work while his retired wife Jo Mayer (left) waves goodbye over a leisurely cup of coffee? Crandall breaks into that broad smile of his and says, “That’s a plus.”

by Patrice Johnson

A steady stream of well-wishers filed into the Stockbridge CADL until the library was chock full, Thursday, April 25. All were coming to thank Paul Crandall for his 22 years of service as head librarian, and all were eager to provide him a memorable retirement sendoff.

While enjoying cake and hors d’oeuvres, compliments of Suzi Greenway and the Open Market, Crandall took a moment to reflect. In terms of the highlights of his tenure, he said, “I really enjoyed every bit of it.” After giving the topic more thought, he added, “I guess maybe if I were going to pick, I’d say helping with the building of this addition from the exit sign back stands out.”

Crandall indicated he and wife Jo Mayer plan to vacation out West. Then he unbuttoned his tropical shirt to reveal a T-shirt, imprinted with a list of “America’s National Parks.”

In addition to traveling, he looks forward to devoting more time to music. “I’m self-taught,” he confessed with characteristic modesty, “so I’ve got a lot of gaps in my understanding.” He also enjoys beer brewing and beekeeping, he said.

Was he looking forward to not leaving for work while wife Jo, retired two years, waved goodbye over a leisurely cup of coffee? Crandall broke into that broad smile of his and said, “That’s a plus.”

Paul Crandall and son Scott keep time with gourd rattles as Generations band plays “La Cucaracha” at Cravingz.

In a grand finale to the day, son Scott Crandall joined his parents in a packed house at Cravingz for shrimp kabobs and music by Generations band.

The letter below from former CADL librarian Marsi Parker Darwin adds special insight into the life and times of Stockbridge’s own Paul Crandall:

Farewell letter 

Dear editor:

I read with interest the article on Paul Crandall’s retirement as Stockbridge head branch librarian after more than twenty years, as I was his predecessor, although I served less than half that time. My tenure brought computers, videotapes and DVDs, a pet parade, and the annual holiday auction, as well as the roots of the movement to build a new library. Under Paul’s leadership, the library really flourished with many more programs and services in a beautiful building.

“All these years I’d been taking credit for finding the best librarian Stockbridge ever had,” Marsi Parker Darwin, former head CADL Stockbridge Librarian, said.

They say ten people can have the same experience and have ten differing memories. Paul’s recollection of walking up Wood Street with his son Scott and seeing a sign in the library window advertising my position made me smile. My memory is much different.

I recall setting up a book sale with help from the Friends of the Library, including Paul and his wife Jo Mayer. We had chatted before and I knew he worked in Ann Arbor, and that he had an MLS. I had been considering retiring to join my husband in his stained glass business, so I asked Paul how he’d like to walk home from work at noon and have lunch with his son Scott.

I even remember telling my superiors in Mason that they didn’t need to post my job; I’d found the perfect candidate. So Paul’s version of the story dashed mine. All these years I’d been taking credit for finding the best librarian Stockbridge ever had. I even worked as an assistant for a couple more years, which in retrospect must have felt awkward for Paul, but he had the good grace not to show it.

I just wasn’t ready to move on completely from this wonderful community. I still meet my story hour “kids” from time to time, and am thrilled that they remember me.

Paul will be long remembered in Stockbridge, and for good reason. I wish Paul and Jo much happiness in retirement and hope to see them a little more often!

Marsi Parker Darwin, Waterloo

In terms of the highlights of his tenure, Crandall said, “I really enjoyed every bit of it.” After giving the topic more thought, he added, “I guess maybe if I were going to pick, I’d say helping with the building of this addition from the exit sign back stands out.”

In a grand finale to the day, Paul and Jo, joined by son Scott, gather with a packed house at Cravingz for shrimp kabobs and Generations band music.