Viewfinder: Linda Ballard's Retirement Party Draws Big Crowd

At her retirement party Saturday night, Linda Ballard said it was the first time that she had not baked for a library occasion and the first time she would not be taking home tableclothes to launder.

A big crowd turned out to bid Ballard goodbye. She retired after nearly 18 years as the library director and more than 40 years as a library employee. 

Missouri State Representative Rory Ellinger presented Ballard with a joint resolution from the state legislature, commending Ballard for her many years of hard work. He forgot one important thing though--the  resolution. But he drew big laughs with his speech. "And whereas I am still learning my job, and it is on my desk in the state Capitol," he said.

"We're all going to miss Linda terribly. She's been like family. She's been a friend and a mentor to us," said Patrick Wall, the new library director. "I've got her on speed dial. I'll call her every day...to me she's been the perfect boss." 

The Friends of the University City Library Organization bought a bench in Ballard's honor that will be placed in the staff garden.