Richard Randall “Randy” Enos, 76, of Cazenovia, New York, passed away on March 6, 2026.

Randy devoted his life and career to libraries, children’s literature, and family. The incredible breadth of his literary pursuits made him an exceptional conversationalist, belied by his humility and enriched by his sharp sense of humor. A nationally respected leader in the library profession, Randy’s close attention to his loved ones and deep sense of home and family paralleled the remarkable scope of his professional accomplishments. Among them were his service on the Newbery Award Committee and the Caldecott Award Committee, as well as being granted the Lifetime Honor of President Emeritus of the Friends of Libraries Section Executive Board in 2015.

Born November 16, 1949, in Topeka, Kansas, Randy grew up as the youngest of seven siblings on the family farm in Perry, Kansas. Contributing to the daily labor of the farm, Randy milked cows at dawn and delivered milk to houses in town before heading to school each morning. After his early schooling and life on the farm, Randy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Kansas in 1973 and a Master of Library Science from Emporia State University in 1974.

Randy spent much of his professional life as the Youth Services Consultant for the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS) in Middletown, New York, where he worked from 1982 until his retirement in 2019. He was deeply involved with the New York Library Association (NYLA), serving as president of the Youth Services Section and holding numerous leadership roles. Randy served six terms as president of the Empire Friends Roundtable and remained a continuous and active member as the organization evolved into the Friends of Libraries Section (FLS).

Randy was also a frequent presenter at NYLA conferences, speaking on topics ranging from youth services to advocacy for library Friends organizations. He regularly presented the ALSC Notable Children’s Books selections to librarians and teachers, helped organize a regional literary festival for school and public librarians, and coordinated system-wide Battle of the Books competitions for teens. In 2018, Randy presented “Building Bridges Behind Bars” at the NYLA Convention, highlighting resources for families affected by incarceration.

His contributions to librarianship earned numerous honors, including the New York Library Association Outstanding Service to Libraries Award (2000) and designation as a NYLA Dewey Fellow in 2017.

Randy was also a prolific reviewer and writer. Beginning in 2006, he authored approximately 500 reviews of children’s books for Booklist. He also co-created Calendar Capers for the NYLA Youth Services Section and co-authored New York Is Reading Country for the New York State Summer Reading Program Manual.

For forty-four years, Randy was a devoted partner and husband to Doug Milne. Together they created a beautiful life and home in New York—first in Warwick, then in Middletown, and most recently in Cazenovia. Randy had a lifelong affection for canine companions, their homes were always made warmer by the presence of beloved dogs. Randy took his role as uncle as seriously as his library career, pouring his love, generosity, and enthusiasm for games and fun of all kinds, into his 37 nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Randy became an increasingly skilled tennis player later in life. He regularly played with friends on courts in Middletown and Cazenovia, even up until two weeks before his death.

Taken unexpectedly, Randy leaves a profound absence, but also a legacy of kindness, humility, and literary passion. To be known and loved by Randy was to experience devotion, humor, and intellectual curiosity. Those fortunate enough to share in his life will carry forward the warmth, generosity, and thoughtful spirit of this Kansas farm boy whose quiet goodness left a lasting mark on the world.

Randy was predeceased by his parents, Marjorie (Newell) and Allen Enos, and his siblings, Emily Pechefsky, Mary Sue Layton and Zimri Enos.

He is survived by his husband, Doug Milne; their dogs, Augie and Emmett; his siblings, Paul Enos and his wife Carol, Virginia Richards, Newell Enos and his partner, Janet Peterson along with his large extended family.

A memorial service will be held this spring to celebrate Randy’s life. Additional details will be announced.

The FLS Randall Enos Conference Scholarship was established in Randy’s honor to assist members of Friends of the Library groups in attending the NYLA Annual Conference. The scholarship encourages volunteers and advocates to connect with others, share ideas, and strengthen support for libraries in their communities - values Randy championed throughout his career. Donations in Randy’s honor can be made to support this fund by visiting: https://www.nyla.org/friends. 

       Condolences for Randy's family may be left at www.michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.