Marie Saeli

4/9/1955 – 6/6/2023

 

Marie Saeli, a life-long Franklin Park resident, began working at Franklin Park Library at the original Franklin Ave. location as a part-time clerk from 1977 until 1978. In 1990, she returned to the Library (relocated to 10311 Grand Ave.) for a clerk/typist job.  She eventually assisted in three departments concurrently, Circulation, Technical Services and the Business Office, and in 1991, she began working full-time.

Marie was promoted to Business Manager in 1997 and remained in this role until 2003, when the Executive Director vacancy arose. While working as a library director, she attended graduate school part-time to earn her Master’s degree in Library Science.

In close to two decades, she oversaw the Library as it changed due to technology’s impact, including increasing public computer access, adding wifi services, and building new collections.

Marie attended North and Main schools in Franklin Park, and she was a graduate of East Leyden High School class of 1973, University of Illinois – Champaign class of 1978 (Bachelor of Arts degree – English), Northwestern University class of 1983 (Master’s degree – Cinema Studies), and Dominican University class of 2009 (Master’s degree in Library Science).

Marie played the guitar and had an appreciation for music, animals, classic films, gardening, coffee and chocolate. She was a past-president of the Franklin Park Woman’s Club and a member for many years prior. Marie enjoyed teaching part-time as an adjunct instructor at Triton College from 1982 until 2023. Rescuing strays was another pastime; many of the kittens she rescued were adopted by library staff. She will be missed.

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