There’s a lighthouse in St. Joseph School and while it might not bring in boats, it is a beacon for readers. Within it, you’ll find the school’s media center, home to over 13,000 books, but you will no longer find Elsie Kassin, the school’s librarian.
Kassin is retiring after devoting more than 30 years to St. Joseph School. She has served as a teacher aide, art assistant and librarian during her tenure at St. Joseph School.
Kassin’s career at St. Joseph began in 1976 when her daughter started first grade. She volunteered for 10 years, first as a classroom aide and later as an assistant with upper grade art projects when there was no art teacher. She also worked as a fourth and seventh grade math tutor before becoming a library aide.
In 1981, Kassin took over the library with Kay Steffan.
As years passed, library book collections and student tables expanded, eventually leading to a space constraint. Kassin recalls asking to adjoin an unused room to expand the library.
‘Sister Theresa told me, ‘I have good and bad news? the bad news is that you can’t have the prayer room, but the good news is that we’re building you a new media center,?? she said.
Kassin was elated at the prospect of a new media center, and in 1996, assisted in developing the library’s ‘lighthouse? theme.
Kassin remembers many parents who have volunteered their time and talent in the library over the years.
Devoted volunteers and a committed staff have kept the library running, she said, along with expectations for that to continue after she retires. She credits countless families who have donated books to the library or purchased titles on teacher wish lists with keeping the shelves stocked.
‘I want to thank all the parents for sharing their children with me over the years. Now I have 2nd generation kids. It’s been such a pleasure and honor,? Kassin added.
While Kassin will be retiring from her position at the school, she enjoys the company of children and plans to still be surrounded by them in retirement. She plans to keep busy by helping her husband, Al, who founded Lions Bear Lake Camp in Lapeer. The camp focuses on work with children who are physically challenged.
‘He’s been managing the camp for a long time,? said Kassin. ‘I’ve devoted a lot of time to the school and I’ll miss being with the kids and the teachers, but it’s time to put my husband first.?
‘Still, I sure hope (the school) invites me back for lunch,? she added.
The staff and students at St. Joseph School feel blessed to have had Kassin for over 30 years. She will be remembered for leaving a rich legacy of teaching children the awe and wonder of far-off places, the thrill of mystery, hundreds of characters and their adventures and the delight of words that paint rich images. She will be most remembered by St. Joseph students as being someone who simply loves to read.