Librarian's portrait sparks a conversation

Things are constantly moving here at the Crestview Public Library. This is true in two ways: there are a lot of things to do here (in both variety and frequency!), and physical items are literally moved around.

One day the moving of a portrait sparked a delightful conversation. I’ve pointed out the portrait of Bertha Henry on library tours on many an occasion.

Bobbie Andujar, a regular patron, might have never noticed her portrait if it hadn’t been moved to the wall behind me on the front desk.

It’s been moved again since then to the west side of the pillar on the front desk where a clock was for at least 13 years. I still ask Bertha what time it is. She has yet to answer.

As I was checking out her books, Ms. Andujar said, “I read because of Bertha Henry.”

For years, I’ve told people on tours that Miss Henry opened Crestview’s first library in her home, but, according to page 170 in “Crestview the Forkland,” it was technically her mother’s home, Mrs. Lucy Henry.

Lucy was blind, so Bertha loaned the books and kept the records, making her our first librarian.

There’s a great picture on page 170 of "Crestview the Folkland" of Lucy, Bertha and children reading books. We have two copies if you’d like to check out some local history!

What I enjoyed most in my conversation with Ms. Andujar was her gratitude for Bertha’s influence.

Who has influenced you for the better? Are they still around to thank?

We all have influence. How will you use yours? Will someone read because of you?

Heather Nitzel is the Crestview Public Library's youth services librarian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Librarian's portrait sparks a conversation