Shelf Awareness had the story a few days ago but the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's Geeta Sharma-Jensen fleshes out some of the details of Mary McCarthy's resignation from Harry W. Schwartz Booksellers after six years as vice president and chief operating officer of the independent bookstore chain. McCarthy had led the day-to-day operations of the business since owner David Schwartz died in June 2004.

Her job will now be handled by Carol Grossmeyer, president of the company and Schwartz's widow. "Mary was terrific. She got us through all of the years after David's death. She became a voice in the community, and it helped the bookshops. We are so grateful," Grossmeyer said Friday when announcing the change. In a statement issued Friday, the company said McCarthy had worked "with dedication and sincere commitment" and everyone at the Schwartz firm "wishes her the best as she moves on to what are sure to be other very worthy endeavors." It gave no reason for her resignation.