GOFFSTOWN — A farewell reception for Marsha McKay, who is retiring as head of youth services at the Goffstown Public Library after 21 years, is set for Saturday.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., well-wishers can stop by to have cake and punch, and share some memories of the woman colleagues describe as the creative force behind the library’s children’s program.

McKay’s last day isn’t until the end of the month, said Library Director Dianne Hathaway, but the staff wanted to have a community celebration on a Saturday, so that more people can attend.

“She’s kind of ‘been’ the library for so many years,” Hathaway said. “Kids that she had in story time are now bringing in their own kids, which shows what an institution she is here.”

Hathaway praised McKay’s frugality and Yankee ingenuity, which showed in her work with recycled crafts and other projects she hosted for the children in Goffstown.

McKay’s colleague Sandy Whipple said McKay was always willing to roll with whatever changes came her way — and there have been many over the years.

“It’s really difficult not to become entrenched in sameness, and she never did that,” Whipple said. “She’s game for anything.”

From waving at crowds in her witch hat on Halloween to dressing up like a fairy, to adding to the magic of the library’s Polar Express event each year, both Whipple and Hathaway said McKay will be sorely missed.

“It’s hard to explain what a hole that will be left behind when she leaves,” said Hathaway.

McKay, who remembers a library that still used paper card catalogs, said leaving will be bittersweet.

“It’s happy, it’s sad,” she said. “This has been more than a job; it’s really an exciting place to be.”

McKay said part of her job was forgetting that she was a grown-up, and that she tried not to take herself too seriously. Children loved seeing her dressed up to coordinate with different themes.

“I will miss all the story times and interacting with the wonderful, wonderful families in town,” she said. “That is what I’ll miss the most.”

McKay will likely tap into other creative pursuits as she begins her new chapter. A weaver for the past 40 years, she is also an avid knitter. She and her husband own a cabin in Alaska and hope to spend some extra time there.

One thing that will not change is McKay’s love of books.

“I’m one of the few lucky people who can say I totally love what I do,” she said.

She admits she’ll miss seeing the arrival of new children’s literature, which she says has come so far in recent years.

“Every time a book order comes in, it’s like Christmas,” she said.

- - - - - - - -

Kathy Remillard may be reached at kremillard@newstote.com.