SP Library Workers Retire After Years of Service

After serving library patrons for nearly three decades, two Scotch Plains Public Library employees are finally retiring to take some time to themselves.

Joan Iuliano and May Baker both celebrated their last days recently, with Iuliano having worked 28 years and Baker 25.

During the Scotch Plains council meeting Tuesday night, the two women received special plaques from the township in honor of their service.

"I have worked at the Scotch Plains Public Library for 28 years, and through all those years I've acquired so many friends and wonderful people who come into the library who I will truly miss," Iuliano said.

Iuliano served for years as the secretary to the library. Baker worked as one of the circulation librarians.

"I walked into the library one day and there were two people there and they offered me a job. Within minutes, I went from not knowing I wanted a job to having a job," Baker said with a laugh. "We went through some difficult times together, but we were there for each other."

Library director Meg Kolaya echoed that sentiment in her praise for the two women.

"We've gone through some tough times over there lately, but there's been a lot of love and affection for our staff," she said.

Both Iuliano and Baker said they hope to spend their time in retirement pursuing interests and spending time with family and friends.

"Now as they say, I'm moving onto greener pastures," Iuliano said.