Sherry McBride-Brown's first job after graduating high school was at the Callaway County Public Library.
Friday afternoon, a small crowd of family, friends and coworkers helped her celebrate 35 years with the Daniel Boone Library system.
"I'm very proud of her," said her father, Jack McBride. "She's a very caring person, and she will help anyone that needs it, and she's been that way all her life."
Callaway Library Manager Greg Reeves, who has known and worked with McBride-Brown for 16 years, made a similar assessment.
"Sherry has the biggest heart in the world," Reeves said. "She's so helpful, and has a lovely manner with people - not just the patrons, but also with coworkers.
"You can't have a bad day if you're working with Sherry."
McBride-Brown said it was that desire to help people, along with a lifelong love of reading, that have kept her at the library for so long.
"I always liked reading when I was a young child - I used to ask for books for Christmas, and Dad and Mom always encouraged us to read," she said. "I love that it opens up so many doors for people. My favorite part of the job is the constituents.
"I like talking to people, sharing resources and developing a camaraderie with the community."
She recalled that her first summer at the library, working a seasonal position that had her "doing a little bit of everything" from circulation to story time, helped her start building some of those relationships.
"Some of the children I had in story time are now parents themselves, and are bringing in their kids and grand kids," McBride-Brown said. "It has been so much fun."
After 35 years, McBride-Brown said she still loves her job, and enjoys the changes and advancements her profession has seen over the years.
"It changes so much and so quickly, especially with all the technology," she said. "I like that constant ability to learn new things and discover things for our patrons."