Washington, D.C. Librarian Is Key

Washington, D.C.

A candlelight procession ended with local schoolchildren surrounding reference librarian G.R.F. Key at a ceremony honoring his—and the District of Columbia Public Library's—100th birthday. The January ceremony was held in Washington, D.C.'s Martin Luther King Memorial Library. Born the same year the District of Columbia opened its first public library, Key has been a member of AFSCME Local 1808 since joining the library staff at the age of 71. The reference librarian's devotion to his job is legendary. Several speakers told of his showing up at work even in the worst snowstorms. In spite of recent illness, Key hasn't retired—only taken sick leave. Charles Hicks, a colleague of Key's and president of AFSCME Council 20, said, "Mr. Key exemplifies the character and qualities that not only public employees, but AFSCME employees show in terms of dedication and service."