The Hudson Library & Historical Society has established and funded a new children’s programming series to honor and remember one of its most beloved librarians, who passed away earlier this month. Longtime Children’s and Young Adult Librarian, Marjie Grissom Origlio, fostered a love of reading for generations of Hudson children during her 32-year tenure at the Hudson Library. Simply known as “Mrs. O”, she excelled at everything she did and was loved by everyone who knew her, touching generations of children in the Hudson community. The beloved “Mrs. O” passed away recently, leaving a legacy of literature lovers thanks to her years of storytelling and delightful programs.
The eleventh of twelve children, she grew up on her family’s dairy farm on Aurora Road. Marjie attended the Hudson Public Schools and then Kent State University where she studied English and Library Science. She began her career at the Hudson Library after graduation, at a time when the Library had no specialized departments, so Library staff were responsible for carrying out multiple tasks. Therefore, some days Marjie worked at the Circulation/Reference desk while other days she ordered and cataloged books or conducted storytimes. “In her honor, the Library has established the Marjie Grissom Origlio Children’s Program series as a way of continuing her impact on the community’s young people,” says Library Executive Director/Curator E. Leslie Polott. “Marjie’s warmth and talent for cultivating curiosity in children is remembered by many Hudson residents who now bring their own little ones to the library looking for the same kind of experience. This program series will offer innovative, educational events for years to come.”
The Hudson Library Board of Trustees has allocated $10,000 in seed money to initiate the fund, the yearly earnings from which will pay for children’s programs. Library Board President Basil Musnuff remarked, “People in the community were asking how they could honor ‘Mrs. O’ so the Board established this fund in her honor to promote the children’s programming that she pioneered. We hope it will provide an outlet for others in the community who appreciated her efforts to make donations to perpetuate her legacy.”
Library patrons who remember “Mrs. O” are encouraged to share their memories on the library’s Facebook page (facebook.com/HudsonLibrary.HistoricalSociety) or visit the library’s rotunda where they can add a tribute to a message board and view the slide show of Marjie’s years at the library. The Origlio family has requested memorial donations may be made in Marjie’s honor to the Hudson Library & Historical Society Children’s Room. Visit hudsonlibrary.org/support-the-library/ or call 330.653.6658 for more information.
