The first Librarian of the Library was born July 1, 1883, in Menomonee Falls, WI, daughter of Simon Peter Schlafer and Sarah Anne (Leister) Schlafer.
In 1906 at age 23, she became employed as receptionist for Dr. William Campbell. Among her assigned duties was part-time librarian. She started employment a few weeks after the library was founded. Her salary was $2.00/week. The Library was open 20 hours per week.
Maude married Clinton Shunk in the fall of 1923 at the age of 40. She had no children of her own but raised Clinton’s youngest son, Charles Jr.
In 1932, at age 49, her salary increased to $5.25 per week, plus 50 cents/hour for “extra work”.
In 1956, at age 73, she retired after 50 years as head Librarian. The Library building was renamed for her by action of the Village Board. It remained the Maude Shunk Library until 2003, when the new Library Building was built. The name was changed back to Menomonee Falls Public Library.
From 1956-1958 she continued to work until a successor was hired.
She was best remembered for being a strict librarian and shushing people if they got to loud.
In 1973 at age 89, Maude made her last visit to the Library during April’s “National Library Week”.
Maude lived all of her life in the falls and died January 11,1976 at the age of 92. She is buried in West Granville Cemetery, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.