Wood Library’s popular children’s librarian, has announced plans to retire in 2024. Having read thousands of books to local children during her long tenure at Wood Library, Ferris has encouraged young readers with silly stories, magical flannel boards, and songs that get even the shyest children singing and dancing.

Hired as Wood Library’s first-ever children’s librarian in 1974, Ferris quickly realized that she had landed a job that suited her well – and she never looked back. On March 1, 2024, Ferris will close the book on an illustrious career that has spanned 50 years! Ferris announced her retirement plans during a staff meeting earlier this month. “I’ve been very fortunate,” she said. “I love what I do and look forward to going to work every day.” But, as the 50th anniversary of her employment at the Canandaigua library loomed, she knew in her heart that 2024 was probably the right year to retire. “I want to get to February 1 and finish with the winter storytime programs,” she said.

Wood Library’s Executive Director Jenny Goodemote said she knew Ferris’ retirement was inevitable; but the announcement was still hard to process in the moment. “Mary Ferris is a Wood Library and Canandaigua institution. The affection that people have for her crosses generations.”

Details for a community celebration to honor Ferris will be shared at a later date.