Home » Head librarian retires after 38 years at Keeneland Library

Head librarian retires after 38 years at Keeneland Library

Named head librarian in 1994

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 12, 2017) — Cathy Schenck, who has been head librarian at Keeneland Library since 1994, retired today after 38 years at Keeneland.

facebook-In-Stream_Square___Schenck,-Cathy_082815_3033From Paducah, Schenck, has a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and a master’s degree in library science from the University of Kentucky. Soon after she graduated from UK, she began working at the Keeneland Library, founded in 1939, when it occupied part of the second floor of Keeneland’s Clubhouse, directly above what is today the South Grandstand Entrance.

For a few months, she worked with Amelia King Buckley, who was about to retire after being involved with the library since the 1950s. Buckley had meticulously indexed the library’s collections and set the standard for excellence and customer service that Schenck embraced.

Following Buckley’s retirement, Doris Waren became the second head librarian. After she retired, Schenck succeeded her in September 1994.

In July 2002, Schenck was among the Keeneland officials who cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the Keeneland Library’s new home: a 10,000 square-foot building that today houses nearly 30,000 books, approximately one million photographic negatives, and thousands of newspaper and magazine articles about all aspects of the equine industry while welcoming thousands of visitors each year. The Keeneland Library received the 2002 Special Eclipse Award for its contributions to the Thoroughbred industry.

Schenck’s expertise also extended to Keeneland’s world-famous Thoroughbred sales. She was instrumental in the development of the repository, a library of sorts of digital X-rays of sales horses available for review by veterinarians representing potential buyers. The repository debuted in 1996, and she served as its supervisor.