By Kathy Copeland / Community Columnist

April 14 was a happy day for Anne Smith. Surrounded by friends and family, Mayor Ray McAllister of Vincent bestowed the honor of Library Board Member Emeritus upon Smith.

“This plaque is in recognition of your outstanding dedication and service to the Lallouise Florey McGraw Public Library from the City of Vincent and the Council,” said McAllister.

The Open House Reception was held early afternoon on Palm Sunday. With approximately 100 people flowing in and out of this quaint library, it was evident this was an appreciated and well-loved woman.

Smith appeared overcome with emotion as she sat with her husband by her side, surrounded by family, posing for a photo to capture the moment. Pictured from left to right on the back row are family members Joseph Dobbs, Drake Mitchell, Harold Mitchell, Susan Mitchell, Melissa Dobbs, Amanda Gibson, Debbie Smith, Leah Anne Wood, Brian Smith, and Randy Wood. Sitting in the front are Kirby Mitchell, Gracie Phillips, Calvin Smith and Anne Smith.

In accepting her plaque, Smith recalled the “first little library” located across from her daddy’s store describing it as a small library in a small house across from City Hall. “I loved going there,” she said.

Smith went on to say, “I’m so proud of this library and proud for our town.” She commented on how nice the library is and said, “I hope parents bring their children.”

McAllister agreed and then pointed to computers sitting on new computer tables and remarked, “And, we are now modernized, the younger generation does everything on these,” causing the crowd to chuckle. Smith said with a grin, “Yes, and I don’t know how to use them.”

Phyllis Peterson, Library Board Chair, was more than happy to give a tour of the updated library, pointing out new counter tops, furniture, a newly decorated conference room, blinds and flooring. “We have worked hard to make the library not only functional but also attractive and comfortable,” said Peterson.

She explained that it’s nice to show off the new library but giving credit to all the ladies that worked on the Open House Reception, Peterson said, “These ladies put a lot of effort into making today real special for Ms. Anne.”

Turning the conference room into a refreshment room for the day’s activities, special was apparently the theme. From crocheted table cloths, crystal punch bowls and silver bowls for peanuts, and delicate stemmed pink roses scattered on the tables, the venue was beautiful.

Homemade punch with a floating ice ring, homemade cheese crackers, homemade heart shaped tea cookies drizzled ever so slightly with icing and beaded to look like lace, homemade coconut cake pre-cut with a dollop of whip topping and a sprinkle of coconut, the refreshments spelled LOVE!

“This is a very heart-warming day. I am her oldest granddaughter, and I know how much she is enjoying this. She loves this community,” said Amanda Gibson. By all accounts it appears the city of Vincent loves her right back!