Dear Editor,

I am saddened to hear that Shannon Didier has decided to leave her post as director of the Pemberton & District Public Library. Though I am personally pleased to see her take on new directions and new challenges, this move is without a doubt a loss for the community.

Shannon took over as director five years ago, she helped keep it running under difficult circumstances in the temporary set up at the old community centre and was ultimately an instrumental and driving force when it came time to establishing it in the ‘new’ community centre.

With the support of a strong core staff and the Friends of the Library, Shannon did not simply set up a new location for people to rent books, but she created a place where the community gathers and learns. She helped build an environment that kids through to seniors feel at ease, stimulated and connected to each other. A place where people come to exchange and discover new ideas.

Shannon has brought in wonderful speakers and organized presentations and programs that one doesn’t often see in the average small town, all on a very tight budget. The library has become a safe haven for our kids and for community members of all ages for that matter. It is a place where they cannot only discover the wonders of reading, but engage in meaningful interaction with their neighbours, participate in the widest array of activities and explore new ideas. The Pemberton & District Public Library is truly a special place as well as the hub of our crazy little town and much of this can be attributed to the hard work and broad vision of Shannon Didier.

For all these reasons I feel it would be a terrible disservice not to acknowledge Shannon and the work she has done for Pemberton. So on behalf of my family and if I may, on behalf of the greater Pemberton community I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you; for the effort and time you have put in, for the creative thinking and vision you brought and for the gentle thoughtfulness that is definitely reflected in our awesome library.

Cheers Shannon, you have left some big shoes to fill and though you will be missed we wish you all the best in your next adventure.

Mike Richman

Pemberton