ALL IN A DAY’S work

St. Clair Shores Public Library Director

Rosemary Orlando

Ahigh school job training program beginning in 1969 is what first made Rosemary Orlando consider a future career as a librarian. Her sister had signed up for a spot at the St. Clair Shores Public Library and disliked it, and Orlando jumped in to take her place. During those early years of shelving books and carefully placing cards in the catalog (which Orlando describes as “pure heaven”), she recalls the strong women mentors who shaped her nononsense work ethic and career path. More than 50 years later, despite having held positions at other libraries, Orlando feels the most at home in public libraries, and in St. Clair Shores most of all.

How It Started

As a Lake Shore High School student, Orlando was a cheerleader and on student council. Her library supervisor was accommodating of her schedule, even though young Orlando wasn’t fond of asking for time off. She made it to and from work either on the Kercheval Deanhurst bus or by catching rides from friends.

Orlando later attended Western Michigan University to receive an education degree, coming home during the summers and after graduation to work at the library. Then while newly married with two young children, she made the leap into a master’s program at Wayne State University.

“We were kind of all raised with the attitude that you're going to get married and have children anyway,” said Orlando. “But a wise lady once said to me: 'when you educate the woman, you educate the whole family.'” Those words clung to Orlando, and she studied at 2 a.m. to make sure she accomplished her goal.

One of the greatest compliments of her life, says Orlando,

BY ANNA SWARTZ

is when she had just started her master’s program and her boss called her and said: “Come in and work as a librarian. You know the library; you know the community. You can do this.”

A Variety of Roles

Orlando has worn many hats at the library, including children's librarian, technology librarian and assistant director. She was appointed director in 2005. Her favorite place in the library has always been at the information desk, helping people.

“When I first started as a librarian, there was no internet,” Orlando says. “So, to me, it was like playing Trivial Pursuit all day long with people. They had specific information needs, and when you served them, they were so thankful and so grateful. It is just a very enjoyable, worthwhile, satisfying job.”

As the director, Orlando’s obligations vary widely –from meeting with other local directors in the Suburban Library Cooperative to serving as the staff liaison for the city’s Cultural Committee and Historical Commission, and answering questions from patrons.

Orlando is also involved in the planning of how to utilize a $1.5 million grant to the library from the federal government. One detail she can share is that the renovations will include the children’s room. Since plans have not been approved by the City Council, the timeline and details can’t be revealed just yet.

My Heart Lives in the Shores

Growing up on Brookdale Blvd., Orlando’s childhood memories include Gordie Howe Hockeyland at the end of her street and skating to school on the lake. She also swam in a gravel pit that once existed at the golf course. And some of her former softball teammates, many whom Orlando has known since her days at North Shore Elementary, are still her friends today.

Orlando is the oldest of five siblings, but her Italian family wasn’t considered particularly large at the time. She spent time playing kickball and other games with neighborhood children. “You just looked out the door, and you saw something going on,” she says.

After she got married, Orlando moved halfway between her mother and mother-in-law's. She and her husband could walk to either of their homes. When her sons were born, they were immersed in the community she loves, playing hockey and taking swimming lessons at the pool.

Orlando once heard someone say: “My house is in another community, but my heart lives in St. Clair Shores.” As someone who eventually moved out of town due to the proximity to her husband’s job, this statement resonates with Orlando. “I really feel I’m a product of the city,” she says.

Public Library Love

These days, Orlando and her husband of more than 45 years enjoy spending time with their two sons and their two granddaughters. Both of her granddaughters are very involved in dance. Orlando loves all sports, and as a family, they enjoy and watch the Super Bowl together.

As for work, Orlando knows she is right where she is supposed to be. “I've also been to other places in the library world. So, I don't feel that my experience is a narrow experience...And I was amazed at how much I longed for the public library when I wasn't there.”

Musical Artist: Michael Bublé

Movie: Top Gun: Maverick

Book: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Hobby: Shopping

Place You’ve Traveled: Hawaii

Food: Italian

Spot in SCS: SCS Public Library and Civic Arena