Harrowsmith PS Honouring two past librarians

Apr 15, 2010

The library at Harrowsmith Public School will be undergoing renovations in the upcoming weeks in preparation for its rededication and reopening as the new Audrey Handforth and Jewel Collett Memorial Library.

Both were former librarians at the school. Audrey also worked as the school secretary for many years and passed away on April 27, 2007. Jewel Collett, who took over as librarian, passed away suddenly on March 20, 2009.

Prior to her passing Jewel was acting chair of the library committee and had decided to restore the library and name it in Audrey Handforth’s honour in appreciation of the hundreds of volunteer hours she dedicated to it.

With Jewel’s suddenly death last year those plans changed and Principal James Horan recalled, “We were absolutely devastated and it just seemed natural to name and rededicate the new library in both ladies` honour since they both dedicated so much of their time and energy to the library, the students and the community.”

Pat Chase took over as the library committee chair and in the next few weeks a number of changes will be made to the library including the installation of a new reception area, brand-new furniture, a new primary reading area, a new computer station as well as a permanent historical display celebrating the school’s past.

The display will include the typewriter Audrey used for most of her career at the school.

Funds for the project have been raised through a school fish fry fundraiser and most recently through a reading challenge in March where students received pledges for reading an hour a day consecutively for a week. Private donations from the community have also contributed to the project, whose budget now stands at $7500.

The rededication and reopening ceremony will take place at the school on Thursday May 6 at 2:30 pm and everyone is welcome to attend. It has been requested that guests planning to attend call the school in advance so appropriate refreshments can be provided.

Anyone interested in donating to the new library can contact the school at 613-372-2026. Harrowsmith Public School is located at 4121 Colebrooke Road.