By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Mike Matley. Photo/Bonnie Adams
Westborough – When Mike Matley accepted the job as janitor of the Westborough Public Library he thought he would stay there “maybe a year or maybe two.” That was in 1989.
“It’s just really wonderful here. Everyone’s so nice, it’s like a family,” he said. “So I just stayed.”
But now, nearly 30 years later, Matley has decided it is time to retire. His last day was March 20.
The decision to leave was not an easy one, he admitted, but one that he felt was right. Matley, who is single, is a lifelong resident of Holliston. He is also a devoted dog owner who adopted “Blue,” an Akita-Siberian Husky mix last October. At only 18 months old, Blue has already had four previous owners before Matley. As a result, she suffers from severe separation anxiety.
“I just feel she needs me,” he said. “I want to get her some training and really give her a chance.”
Matley, who is 65, is in excellent health, and up for the challenge, he said, of ensuring that Blue will get a nice long five-mile walk each day now that he will be home.
But he admits once Blue is feeling less anxious, he himself will need something else to do.
“I’ve always worked since I was 14,” he said, “so I know I can’t just stop.”
Throughout his life he has worked for hotels, as a truck driver, and then as a janitor for schools in Sherborn and Weston until being hired in Westborough. Currently he does some cleaning for a few senior citizens, he said. A car lover, he is considering working for a local car auction company.
Also possible on his agenda are trip to visit relatives who live in Arizona and Florida.
Taking care of the custodial needs at the Westborough Public Library was not always easy but a job he enjoyed very much, he said. It was also one that required great organizational skills.
“There are 27 filters throughout the building and 790 light bulbs – you have to be really organized!” he said.
Maureen Ambrosino, the library’s director, noted the staff will miss working with Matley.
“When I started as the library director in 2010 he taught me everything he knew about the building, from mechanical systems to recent repairs – even which of the many keys opened which doors. I always knew if anything went wrong with the building when I wasn’t there, he would know exactly what to do or who to call,” she said.
“Mike always has a kind word for library visitors, and I know they will miss him, too. He’d even stock his pockets with treats while washing windows outside in the warmer months so he could say hello to the dogs and their owners passing by,” she added. “We’re all sad to lose him, but happy that he will be able to enjoy retirement.”
“Blue” Photo/Mike Matley