“I came here to teach. I didn’t know anyone, so the library was a good place to go,” she says.
Back then it was called the DeWolfe Memorial Library. It was on Gorham Street across from the curling club and was volunteer run.
Once Sapp found the library, she returned regularly.
South Shore Public Libraries are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.
Forty years ago, in September 1972, the Lunenburg Library opened. A month later came the Bookmobile, which stopped regularly in Bridgewater and Mahone Bay.
The Lunenburg Library will honour its anniversary with a party from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 30. Each other branch will also celebrate that weekend with cake.
“All new library books purchased this summer are part of the 40th anniversary collection and have a 40th anniversary sticker on the front covers,” wrote Teresa Workman, communications coordinator for South Shore Public Libraries.
Forty books have been released “into the wild,” in Canada, the United States and Europe.
“Each book contains a special bookplate encouraging those who find the books to register it on a site called bookcrossing.com,” wrote Workman.
The library has played a huge role in Sapp’s life, not only for entertainment but also learning. That’s why she became a board member. It’s also why she volunteered with the Home Reader program, delivering books to people who can’t get out.
“I had used the library so much myself, I’d raised my children on it, I’d used it to get my second degree, and I though it important that I give back,” she says.
Sapp doesn’t only use the library to borrow books. She takes her grandchildren to some of the pre-school programs, she’s gone to a lunch and learn, and she’s taken digital photography lessons.
“I think it’s important to make people aware of what’s available. I don’t think a lot of people are even aware what’s out there, otherwise there would be a lot more people using the library,” she says about why celebrating the anniversary is important.
Another library lover who believes awareness is important is Cate Bird.
Bird became the branch manager of Liverpool’s library in November 1981.
“I’ve always been a big reader,” says Bird about why she was interested in the job.
“I really consider myself very, very fortunate to have got that job.”
After 12 years of not working at the library, Bird returned 1998 and says she was given the opportunity to do more community-related activities.
“There was already a program called the Seniors’ Library Café,” says Bird. “And then I started what I called the Passion Series.”
The series went on for about five years. It was somewhat similar to the Lunch and Learns, except presentations happened in the evening.
Bird says she’ll certainly be at the anniversary party. She says the awareness and getting out in the community is important for the libraries.
“It never hurts to celebrate,” she says.
