It’s hard to believe that more than a year has passed since we said goodbye to our beloved library patron, Maxine Stover. We were all so saddened by the news, as she was one of our regulars, somebody who came in nearly every day to take advantage of all the things offered by the public library. Maxine was a member of the Friends of the Library, and the Friends planted a tree in her memory. We dedicated this tree in 2015, and during the dedication ceremony, I felt compelled to say a few words about Maxine.
Maxine’s interest in books and reading was evident in her involvement with the library. It was this passion that would ultimately lead her to a career as a technical services librarian, working in Zionsville. But, the thing that really impressed me about Maxine was that she was the type of library patron we want everybody to be. Not only did she check out books, but she involved herself in so many other ways. Maxine attended programs offered by the library, ranging widely in various topics. She found library programs to be an opportunity to continue learning about things old and new. Maxine embraced new technologies and started reading books on an ereader. She signed up for the library’s one-on-one computer assistance where she learned how to get the most out of her new device. She even attended computer classes to improve her internet skills and learn about digital photography. And she was a longstanding member of the Friends of the Library where she volunteered her time to help with advocacy, programs, and fundraising.
Maxine was “patron extraordinaire.” She was a part of the library, and the library was a part of her. Her dedication to public libraries was reinforced when Maxine kindly willed a portion of her estate to the Pendleton Community Public Library. Those funds have been specifically earmarked for the purchase of ebooks, a format that Maxine fully embraced as a true lover of reading.
We remember you fondly, Maxine. And, we thank you for being a great patron, librarian, and Friend.
