[1]Louis Holroyd, sits with library director Melissa Carr on one of the benches donated in honor of his wife Helen.
The Columbia Public Library [2] is honored to accept two generous donations in memory of long-time library volunteer, Helene Holroyd. Two new bright red benches installed in the library parking lot, donated by Helene’s husband, Louis Holroyd, now provide a handy place to sit next to the new central pedestrian crossing. “Red was always her favorite color and I think she would be pleased to see children and families sitting here waiting to be picked up from the library,” said Daniel Boone Regional Library Director Melissa Carr. Earlier this year, the Friends of the Columbia Public Library [3] also donated in her memory, a new sound system for the Friends Room, dramatically improving the quality of the meetings, performances and concerts.
Until her death this July, Helene worked as the Treasurer of the Friends of the Columbia Public Library. Prior to her service as a Friend, she served on the Columbia Public Library Board of Trustees [4] where she spent terms as president of both the Columbia board and the regional board. During her 30 years of volunteer service, she also served libraries at the state level.
The Friends of the Columbia Public Library is an all-volunteer group which sorts through books and other materials donated by the public. Books in good condition that would enhance the library’s collection are added to the library’s shelves—about $26,000 worth in 2007. Much of what is donated to the Friends is sold in weekly sales, on eBay [5] and at large sales throughout the year. In January, the Friends donated $70,000 [6] to the library from these proceeds.