Fossil Ridge Library staff mourns loss of director

Patrons and workers at the Fossil Ridge Public Library can feel a loss at the building this month.

The library’s long time director, Richard Ashley, passed away on Friday, Oct. 23, at the age of 57 following a lingering illness.

Ashley, who lived in Joliet with his spouse Kevin Eberhard, waited a bit to explore his career in library sciences, attending the University of Wisconsin in Madison at the age of 40, and becoming director of the library soon after.

As director, Ashley oversaw a major expansion of the Fossil Ridge Public Library, a $2.1 million renovation that updated the library and expanded the children’s services area. It was an update that was long overdue, and one Ashley fought for.

“Eighty percent of the project is all updating the infrastructure,” Ashley said of the renovations in 2016. “Typically libraries are built for 30 years, and we’re past the 30 year mark. Everything is falling apart. We’re going to have new technology. It’s going to be awesome when we’re done.”

When the library project was finally complete in late 2016, patrons were greeted with new seating areas, an updated outdoor area, and updated children’s services.

Employees of the district expressed their sadness over the loss of their beloved director.

“Words can’t express how empty we all feel at the sudden loss of our director, Rich Ashley,” said Sarah Hopf, Children’s Services Librarian at Fossil Ridge.

Hopf said when she started in November of 2012, she was only working part time. But, she said, Ashley saw potential in her and moved her up to five days a week.

“When the children’s librarian position became available I had to interview for it and I remember he stopped me and said don’t be so nervous, we know you,” she said. “He always gave me, as well as the adult/teen librarian and homeschool librarian, free range. Didn’t matter if we decorated for a week before the event, he was on board. He was honestly the best boss I ever had.

“Going to work never felt like work, it felt like hanging out with your cool uncle,” Hopf continued. “He loved our annual Great America trips as well as our yearly ILA (Illinois Library Association) conferences where he’d make [Assistant Director] Pam [Swanson] and I walk with him because he was shy but everyone knew him.”

Hopf added that the library expansion in 2016 was Ashley’s greatest accomplishment as director.

“Even with that, he listened to what each department head wanted — colors, shelving, carpet, office. He was definitely one of a kind and will truly be missed,” she said. “I was fortunate to work with him for the past eight years and he touched so many in our community. I remember the first day I started as a clerk and met him he said my only expectation is that you are kind to all our patrons and I hope I made good on that to him. He will be missed for sure.”

Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made as gifts in Rich’s memory to the American Heart Association.