Marilyn Robinson talks to students in this file photo. Batavia Public Library on March 18 will host a reception to recognize the late Marilyn G. Robinson for her contributions to the library.

BATAVIA – Batavia Public Library will host a reception to recognize the late Marilyn Robinson for her contributions to the library at 2 p.m March 18 in the library’s meeting room at 10 S. Batavia Ave.



The public is invited to the reception. Robinson was named a Library Leader at the Board of Library Trustees’ January meeting.



She was nominated by her friend Mary Ellen Heidgen of Batavia. Heidgen is a member of the Batavia Public Library Writers Workshop, which was founded by Robinson in 1991. Robinson served as the workshop facilitator for 17 years.



“Marilyn Robinson’s two passions – books and Batavia – intersected at the Batavia Public Library,” Heidgen said. “She loved historical research and felt very comfortable spending time working at the library. Marilyn never missed a chance to promote the resources, the programs, the collection, and the staff of the Batavia Public Library.”



Robinson, a retired teacher, city historian, and author of local history books, died in July 2010. She wrote several books, including “Little Town in a Big Woods,” which is used by third-grade teachers in Batavia to teach local history.



Robinson visited third-grade classrooms for many years, sharing her love of writing and history with young students.



She was also a frequent speaker at the Library-sponsored Books Between Bites, was an active member of the Batavia Historical Society, and was named Batavia’s Citizen of the Year in 1995.



“Marilyn and I would discuss research projects from time to time and I always enjoyed our visit,” Batavia Library Director George Scheetz said. “Her research was thorough; her writing was crisp; and her public presentations were enlightening and always enjoyable. I miss her.”



The Library Leader program was established in 2002 with the intention of honoring persons who have made outstanding contributions to the Batavia Public Library District.



Previous honorees include the late Lorraine M. Ramus in 2003; the late William J. “Bill” Wood in 2006; and Donna Todd in 2011.