Longtime Dayton Elementary School Librarian Retires

DAYTON – Watching Roslyn "Roz" Edwards read aloud to a group of children at the Dayton Elementary Library, where she has worked as librarian since the '90s, is like seeing her on the stage of the Liberty Theater, where she has performed in various roles for more than a decade.

"She's funny because when she reads a book, she actually sounds like the characters," said Dayton third-grader Cami Martin. Exactly. She does all the voices. She interacts with her audience: "What is happening here? What's that silly cow doing now, Jack?"

"With her friendly smile and her theatrical talent, Roz makes the library not just a library, but a fun and entertaining place for students and teachers," said elementary teacher Brenda Henderson.

After 22 years at the Dayton School District, Edwards is retiring at the end of this school year. She will be sorely missed.

"Mrs. Edwards is theatrical, creative, prayerful, caring and funny," said Zarabeth Griffen, a secretary in the elementary school. "She's easy to get along with and fun to be around. She will most definitely be missed."

Edwards first came to the district as a volunteer in 1993. She then became a substitute para-educator in roles throughout the school district, including working with the Seneca migrant program each spring and helping with music in the classrooms.

When the previous elementary librarian, Terri Viola, decided to return to college to earn her teaching degree, she asked Edwards if she would substitute for half of her shift in the library.

"In the '90s, it was still a full-time job," Edwards said. "With the nod from the administrator, after I said 'Sure!' I stayed there for about two years until she (Viola) moved away, then just stayed, since I loved the kids and of course children's books so much."

Edwards, whose mother was the elementary school librarian in her hometown, had books, children and libraries in her blood even before she came to Dayton with her children and her husband, Steven Edwards, who was pastor of the Dayton First Congregational Church from 1993 until his death in 2010.

Edwards was a student helper in her own high school library; as an adult she was a parent co-op preschool facilitator in Kettle Falls in the 1980s, reading program volunteer in Portland in the '90s, and circulation desk employee at her husband's graduate school, George Fox University, from 1990 until they moved to Dayton three years later.

"I have enjoyed the kids, the books, the gentle power I have in spending budget money on new books (It always feels like Christmas!) and my very supportive co-workers," Edwards said. "But most of all, above all, the excitement in the eyes and voices of the emergent readers who feel like they just walked in to Disneyland or a candy store. That's how much they love books. On tough days they are the ones who restore my faith in the love of reading."

Co-workers and students have said they will miss everything about Edwards, from her energy and passion to the way she genuinely cares about people.

"Roz has one of the most important qualities for a being a librarian – she is an avid reader," said elementary teacher John Lindsey. "She always has a new book that she has read, and she knows if you will like it. She knows each student's reading habits and what genre they like, that is if they are avid readers!  She gives gifts to people. When she knows you have a favorite book, you might just find a copy of it on your desk because 'she thought you should have your own.' Roz has gone the distance in promoting reading. Her retirement will be a loss to our school children because of her infectious love of reading."

One student put it quite simply: "She believes in you," said third-grader Mallory Dowdy.

It hasn't all been rosy days of read-alouds and sparkling, excited school children. "One of the biggest challenges has been trying to get everything done well with limited time," Edwards said.

"I think about my job, books and kids all summer, and even in the middle of the night," she said. "I don't think that will stop just because I am retiring. It is also hard to act perky when I am tired or not feeling well. But hey, those kids don't deserve a crab in the library, so I just put on my best smile (thanks, Mom!) and act the part. Pretty soon I don't have to act. Kids are so darn loving and forgiving. I really don't have any bad days."

And hey – acting is also second-nature for Edwards. She and her husband were some of the original members of the Touchet Valley Arts Council and helped restore the old Liberty Theater to its new glory. She's a well-known figure on the stage.

"The theater is a huge part of my life and passion, and always will be," she said. "Steve and I helped to open the Liberty doors back in 2001, and I have been in every play since then. I had to miss a couple of variety shows due to knee surgeries, but I did 'melt' as the Wicked Witch with a torn meniscus! I will do just about anything to be on that stage!

"The people are a true extension of my family," she said. "The theater is also a safety net for the youth and young adults who often march to a beat of a different drum. I only wish I had had such a place when I was growing up."

Edwards plans to continue doing all the things she loves and has always done away from school, "but more gently and slowly," she said. She hopes to volunteer, substitute, travel, garden, write, minister, act, "and, for a while, sleep!"

"I will miss the hugs, smiles and excitement from the children," she said. "On days when I didn't feel like I looked so great, there were always kids who thought I was pretty, or loved what I was wearing, or told me, 'You're the best librarian ever!' Imagine what our world would be like if we all treated each other like that. I know how good it made me feel."

Edwards leaves a legacy of enthusiasm toward books and reading, and a great collection of books, Superintendent Doug Johnson said. The district has already lined up a new elementary librarian, who has been training with Edwards and is excited to get started – local woman Ashley Kilts, who will begin in the fall.

"Mrs. Kilts is bringing new, fresh ideas that will continue to encourage kids to read and love books," said elementary Principal Pam Lindsley.