Bethia Owens will retire at the end of September after 42 years as branch manager for the Muldrow Public Library.

The Friends of the Library and the Muldrow Public Library are commemorating Owens’ service throughout September.

During her years of service to the community, Owens has not only provided patrons with many years of wonderful reading material, but she also provided classes in a variety of subjects, from cooking to genealogy, as well as years of children’s programming and summer activities.

Owens and the library have been a valuable community partner for the public schools, offering teen activities, art classes, a variety of physical exercises, a fun walk in the park to read a book as you move along, and spotlighting talented area youth in music and dance.

Owens has a golden hand at securing grants to provide additional services for the library, and so many other things too numerous to mention that have benefitted the community.

As part of the monthlong celebration, Mayor Catherine Jones this week signed a city proclamation to honor Owens. This tribute is a wonderful mark of respect and distinction for a longtime servant of Muldrow.

The proclamation cites Owens for:

• Demonstrating unwavering dedication and commitment to the community

• Consistently exemplifying professionalism and integrity

• Playing a vital role in the delivery of essential services

• Fostering a strong sense of community

• Significantly impacting the well-being and growth of the community

• Leaving a lasting and positive legacy on the town of Muldrow

• Being a valued colleague and a true inspiration to all who have had the privilege of working alongside her On behalf of the city council and the “grateful citizens” of Muldrow, Jones affixed her name to the proclamation, expressing “our sincere appreciation and gratitude for Bethia Owens’ outstanding service and commitment,” while also extending “heartfelt congratulations” on her “significant milestone, and wish her a healthy, joyful and fulfilling retirement.”

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month. Patrons are encouraged to stop by the library throughout the month to share well wishes and congratulations with Owens, while also signing up for a library card as a way of honoring her years of service.

A retirement reception to honor Owens will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 28, at the library. Everyone is welcome to attend.