OUR VISIONARY: LORRAINE

EDITORIAL

The grand opening of the Isabel and Roy Jodrey Memorial Library yesterday was truly grand.
Everyone who was generous with their time, labour, and money was recognized.

Except Lorraine McQueen. Lorraine was the one who started it all.

Lorraine surrounded by library supporters including Lois Burgess on the left.
A few years ago, Lois whispered that the Friends could put on an "event" featuring the Shamrocks.
 It was one of our most successful ones. 

When this former Head Librarian at Acadia University moved to Hantsport in 2004, she told me and others, "We need a store-front stand-alone library on Main Street." That was her vision.

I thought at the time that the library in the school was good enough for Hantsport. But I came to believe that she was right. I am convinced that without her there would be no library in town today.

And now we have  a store-front stand-alone library in Hantsport. The huge turnout yesterday shows that many of us are grateful for her vision. And for everyone who made it possible.

Yesterday I felt like interrupting the ceremony and asking, "Aren't we going to recognize Lorraine's contribution?" But, for once in my life I kept quiet.

After the ceremony, I was talking with some of the original members of the Friends of the Hantsport Public Library. I expressed my disappointment that little credit was given to Lorraine. To my delight, they agreed.

To quote the Bible, "Where there is no vision, the people perish."

Pics of the event to follow - asap.

Blogger Heather Davidson