At the December 8 Village Board Meeting, Montgomery honored Sarah Skilton for her remarkable career as Executive Director of the Oswego Public Library District, recognizing her dedication to literacy, community enrichment, and public service. In celebration of her retirement and years of leadership, the Village Board presented Skilton with a ceremonial street sign titled “The Skilton Way” — a tribute to the values she brought to the library system: service, kindness, and community-centered progress.
Under Skilton’s leadership, the Oswego Public Library District expanded its reach, including the development of the Montgomery branch which has become a vital community resource within the Village. In addition, the Library District has purchased land in Montgomery’s downtown area along the river, paving the way for a future library location that will support continued growth, accessibility, and service to residents for generations to come.
Village President Matt Brolley and Village Trustees expressed deep appreciation for Skilton’s impact, noting her role in expanding programming, improving access to resources, and fostering a welcoming environment for residents of all ages. Her leadership, they shared, set a standard that will continue to influence the library’s future.
The meeting also marked a warm welcome to the library’s new Executive Director, Krista Katzen, who has years of public library experience and a passion for community connections. Village officials shared excitement for future partnerships, new initiatives, and continued service excellence under Katzen’s guidance.
"It was an honor to recognize Sarah’s outstanding career and present her with ‘The Skilton Way’ sign as a symbol of appreciation for her legacy,” Village officials said. “We are equally excited to welcome Krista as she takes on this new role, and we look forward to working together to support literacy, learning, and the community."
For more information on Village news and events, visit the Village of Montgomery website, montgomeryil.org.