LENOX, Mass. — Dozens gathered at the Lenox Library on Friday to celebrate Amy Lafave, the "archetype of a public servant."

 

Lafave, a lifelong town resident, has been with the library for 30 years and shares her expertise and passion for local history with the community. She has worked as the music librarian, library director, and most recently as the historical librarian, a position that seemed fated.

 

"Amy is the archetype of a public servant and by that I mean she is, to me, an aspirational model embodying wisdom, guidance, humor, and respect for events and persons that have gone before us all in the town of Lenox. I know that Amy deeply cares for this library and the town that we call home," Select Board member Marybeth Mitts said.

 

"Amy Lafave is a remarkable person. She turned her avocation into her vocation. After several years as the Lenox library director, her vocation, the town created the position of town historical librarian, and Amy's deep interest in history, her avocation, is now her current position."

 

Lafave was humbled and overwhelmed by the recognition on the 30th anniversary of her first day at the library.

 

"It's gratifying to feel so much love in the room, but I'm just doing my job," she said.

 

She stepped into her current role about five years ago, as it seemed much more fun than management. The library has a collection of archival materials sitting in boxes and needed someone to spearhead documentation and preservation efforts.