Sad news from ALS

Here at the Arrowhead Library System, we received the sad news that Rebecca Patton, a retired long-time ALS employee, passed away on May 26 after a long illness. In 1985, Rebecca was hired as the Director of the North Country Library Cooperative, the multitype library agency serving northeast Minnesota. She was hired by the Arrowhead Library System in 1987 where she worked until her retirement in 2011. Rebecca was well-known across Minnesota for her expertise in continuing education opportunities for library staff and library trustees. She also had a strong commitment to helping staff in small rural libraries, no doubt fueled by her library science education at Clarion University’s program for rural librarianship.  At the time of her retirement, her position was Public Library Consultant, although she had a hand in many ALS programs and services.

One former colleague shared this memory: “Rebecca did so much for Minnesota libraries and library staff. I happily remember hours and hours spent with her as we wrote, rewrote [the] Voluntary Certification curriculum — oh the details she brought to the table.   [. . .]  She made us all better trainers and better librarians.”

Our condolences go out to Rebecca’s spouse, Patricia Dunlavy and her close friend, Steve Harsin.

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