Here’s wishing a happy retirement to Ed Hershberger! Ed served on the Board of Trustees at McCall Public Library for 21 years. He is, according to another Trustee, ʺAlways stellar. He is our dependable support system and a trustworthy voice of reason.ʺ
Ed and Barbara Hershberger moved to McCall in 1998. Following a 41-year career in heavy construction management, entailing 29 moves, three countries and seven states, they were glad to return to Idaho and make McCall their home. Guided by the mindset that each move is an opportunity to experience the world, make friends, and contribute to the community, Ed and Barbara quickly integrated into McCall. Ed joined the McCall Library Board in 1999 and served four full terms before stepping down in 2020. During his tenure, Ed served as Vice President/Treasurer and continually but humbly offered sound advice to other Trustees and the Library Director.
While advancing the McCall Library, Ed translated his vast professional experience as an engineer in private industry into pure public service to his community. He is passionate about library services, so he spearheaded McCall Library's efforts to expand to a District. Every decision he made as a Board member addressed issues that could be barriers to access to library services. Simply put, he wants to see everyone reading, and he advocates for all members of our community based on one simple value: literacy. He believes in the power of the public library, so while he studied our minutes and budgets down to the minute detail and all his decisions as Trustee were fiscally responsible, he always acted with compassion and care. And he walks the walk: Ed regularly participates in statewide Let's Talk About It programs, Book Clubs, Film Society, and Travelogues at the McCall Public Library, activities which take his participation beyond lip service into true participation and action.
Outside of the Library Board, Ed has also been a leader in the McCall Hiking Club, where he recently won Hiker of the Year. Last summer he led the group to Loon Lake, a commitment at 12 miles round trip! He was instrumental in documenting innumerable local hikes into formats that the public can access here in our library. He also served as Aspen Village Condo Owners Association Board member, where he was instrumental in building an athletic center with swimming pool in McCall.
Recently, Ed initiated and implemented new Investment Policy to best care for the library's funds to be used for a library remodel and expansion in the near future. He is spearheading our efforts for a new library and all serving Board members are proud that he is part of our team and confident under Ed's leadership. To honor all his volunteer work, Ed won the Idaho 2015 ILA Trustee of the Year.
The McCall library is a special place. When Ed’s grandchildren first started to visit McCall, the library was one of the first stops (even before Ice Cream Alley!) to get a fortnight worth of bedtime books. In later years, wife Barbara and their adult daughter enjoyed many enjoyable book group meetings. We know the value of education Ed and his family have brought to McCall will continue within their family and within the library. Thank you, Ed!
