On behalf of the Chilmark Public Library I would like to pay tribute to Lillian Kellman, a dear friend of the library and the community. Lillian was a vibrant, engaging and generous person. She was a loyal supporter of the library and was a librarian herself for many years. We are so honored and delighted that she was able to share her gift of storytelling at the library for 25 years.

Lillian was there for me as a mentor and friend when I became the children’s librarian 25 years ago. Lillian has always been an integral part of the library’s weekly program for the Chilmark School. Children from kindergarten through fifth grade were always so excited when it was Lillian’s day to tell stories. She was brilliant.

Her legacy is one that can be seen in the stories that are still told by her audiences, young and old, about Lillian. Adults who first heard her stories as a child still recount their favorite “Lillian” stories. I know that some are passing them on to their children.

Lillian was everybody’s friend. We all loved her and Ray. We will miss her and our thoughts and love are with Ray and his family.

Kristin Maloney
Chilmark