Welcoming Muki the Bookworm at Magness
Photo from the Magness Library Facebook Page, taken by Mary Payne
The bookworm many locals have seen driving by Magness Library now carries a name with special meaning to many in Warren County.
The library’s bookworm, on display as people travel on Chancery Street, has officially been named “Muki” in honor of beloved longtime surgeon Dr. Barun Mukherji. The bookworm was donated in Mukherji’s honor by his wife, Chitra Mukherji, creating a lasting tribute to a doctor who served the community for many years.
Members of the Warren County Nurse Honor Guard gathered at Magness Library Tuesday evening, with many in attendance having worked alongside Mukherji during his career. For Dawn Lowry Wanamaker, the evening was particularly special. Her submission of “Muki” was selected as the bookworm’s name.
“What an honor for my name submission to be chosen!” said Wanamaker. “The Warren County Nurse Honor Guard felt so welcomed last evening as we met at the Magness Library.”
For Wanamaker and many of the nurses gathered Tuesday, Mukherji was much more than a respected surgeon. He was also a mentor, colleague and friend.
“Dr. Mukherji blessed us with his service many years in this community,” said Wanamaker. “Those of us who worked with him learned from the best and gained a friend.”
Wanamaker also felt the setting made the tribute especially fitting. Muki will now have a home in a place devoted to encouraging children and adults to discover books and continue learning.
“Muki the Bookworm is a perfect example of what he would want children to do: Read,” said Wanamaker.
Photo from the Magness Library Facebook Page, taken by Mary Payne
The memories continued after Magness Library shared a photo from Tuesday night’s gathering on its Facebook page. The picture prompted others who worked with Mukherji and the nurses pictured to reflect on their time together at River Park Hospital.
“It was truly an honor to work for Dr. Mukherji,” said Kathy Holland Mitchell. “He was a great human being and loved the people of McMinnville.”
Janis Darnaby also recognized many familiar faces in the photo and remembered the impact Mukherji had at the hospital.
“I see a bunch of great nurses in this picture I had the pleasure of working with at RPH,” said Darnaby. “Dr. M was a great blessing for the hospital and I know he loved all of you!”
The gathering gave nurses who worked with Mukherji another opportunity to remember the beloved doctor and share stories from their years together. Wanamaker also thanked Mary Payne and Kim Freeze Cantrell for welcoming the Nurse Honor Guard to Magness Library.
“The library looks fabulous and I for one can’t wait to visit again with more time to explore!” said Wanamaker.
Now, every young reader who encounters Muki at Magness Library will also encounter a small piece of Warren County history and a tribute to a doctor whose impact on the community continues through the people who knew him best.
