The Friends of the Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library paid tribute to a longtime volunteer at its annual meeting Oct. 27 in Waynesboro Country Club.
Friends’ officials unveiled a sign that designates the library’s bookstore as “Peggy McCleary Bookstore” to honor her memory. The former teacher, who died in June, was president of the Friends organization for a total of 18 years. Donations in her memory, in lieu of flowers, were made to the library.
Friends membership chair Cindy Forbes said the library, which she called “the heart of the community,” was fully supported by McCleary.
McCleary was a “pillar of strength, who gave so much and never asked for anything,” noted Andrea Bowersox, a member of the Friends’ board of directors. “She was always there … a great person.
“When the library was renovated in 2014, the bookstore was built. She was in charge of that, and put her stamp on it,” Bowersox added.
Family member Katie Wise also offered a tribute to McCleary. “She was a great person who was always there for me.”
Guest speaker Jeff Mace, a former neighbor of McCleary, said he spent countless hours with her growing up. “Because of her heart and the people she touched, heaven’s a better place with Peg there.”
Mace spoke about “Eateries and Such of Old Waynesboro,” shared photos of many area restaurants and encouraged audience participation.
It was announced the library, one of 350 entries, earned the PA Forward award for its estate planning series, “Plan Today for Tomorrow,” as well as the Gold Star by PA Forward and the Pennsylvania Library Association for activities that promote five essential literacies: basic;, civic and social, health, information, and financial.
Volunteer Alice McCleaf was recognized for creating the “bookworms,” yarn bookmarks available at the front desk of the library, for more than 20 years.
Secretary Leslie McEntire reported she is continuing to distribute library reading packets to area day care centers and at community-sponsored activities as part of the Book for Babies program, which was modified when the birthing center was moved from WellSpan Waynesboro Hospital to its facility in Chambersburg.
Officers elected include: Mary Lou Misner, president; Connie Fleagle, vice president; Leslie McEntire, secretary; and Debi Duffey, treasurer. Friends approved a wish list of $8,500 in requested items for educational materials for children, activities for teens and adults, and the summer reading program.
