03/16/2006

Small library, big hearts for friend in need

By
Record-Eagle features editor

The other day, a letter came in the mail from Julie Maxson of Lake Ann. Retired as director of Peninsula Community Library on the Old Mission Peninsula, she wrote to share a story about what the library's workers did recently for one of their own, 84-year-old Pat Amor. Pat had a debilitating lung condition that worsened in the last year of her life.

After reading Julie's's letter, I felt the story is best left in her words. So today's column is by Julie. From here on out, the words are hers:

Peninsula Community Library lost a 30-year employee on Feb. 7. Pat Amor worked and volunteered at the library literally until she ran out of breath.

Pat staffed nights and weekends. In the 16 years I worked with her, only once did she say no to a request to work a last-minute shift.

Topping out at under 5 feet, she was a little dynamo. Pat had strong ideas as to how a library should be run and never hesitated to express them. She favored order, discipline, the status quo and strict adherence to all rules, even the ones she deemed ridiculous. In other words, she was an ideal library employee.

Pat was famously, ferociously independent and resisted almost all efforts of help. The library board decreed that Pat could work any schedule on the main floor that she could tolerate. No more stairs. In the past year, as her health declined rapidly and she had to work at the circulation desk, the dreaded oxygen tank in tow, her coworkers knew she needed more than a workplace friendship.

Cathy Adams (a library employee) was one of the first people Pat invited into her home. At long last, Pat let herself be delivered to physical therapy appointments, but only by Cathy, who also cleaned, brought in food, and fed her beloved pups. Vicky Shurly, current library director, shopped and delivered whatever was needed, and was Central Command for calls and plans involving Pat. Charlotte Swanker took Pat's little dogs to the groomers, cleaned house and delivered the McDonald's shakes that calmed Pat's tummy. Penny Campo-Pierce made sure that the work was truly completed on days she and Pat worked together. Carol Olson dutifully stood at the circulation desk awaiting Pat's bidding (one knew better than to sit in Pat's chair).

When Pat had to go to the emergency room, Cathy took her and was quickly joined by Vicki and Charlotte. They tucked her in at night at Munson, shopped for the newest books they hoped she might like, and brought her broccoli cheese soup specially packed in individual servings by the Greenhouse Cafe.

Vicki recently did Pat's final employee evaluation, giving the highest marks. Pat proudly displayed it in her hospital room.

Rural public libraries are famous for providing public service that goes above and beyond, but this story lovingly illustrates that we are, indeed, our sister's keeper.

God keep you, Pat Amor. God bless you, Peninsula Community Library employees.