Finger Lakes Today

Mary Ferris, a long-serving Children’s Librarian at Canandaigua’s Wood Library, was recently honored for her 50-year career. State Senator Pam Helming presented Mrs. Ferris with a New York State Senate Commendation Award in March and welcomed her to the State Capitol on May 7. On this occasion, the Senate passed a Resolution recognizing her half-century of service.

Senator Helming expressed admiration for Mrs. Ferris's extensive impact, stating, “Over a half century, just imagine the thousands of lives Mrs. Ferris has touched – with a good book, a kind word, a gentle hug – and of course, that magical flannel board.”

The Resolution also acknowledged Mrs. Ferris's significant involvement in the New York Library Association over the past 50 years. During this time, she held numerous positions including President and made notable contributions as a founding member and longtime chair of the Community Reading Partnership.

Mrs. Ferris was accompanied to Albany by her husband Kim and several colleagues from Wood Library. The delegation included Executive Director Jenny Goodemote, Executive Assistant Cyndi Fordham, Adult Services Librarian Alexis Lawrence, Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Toomey and Circulation Supervisor Carrie Magnan.