Skowhegan library bids ‘bonne retraite’ to Francoise Labonte

PHOTO: A new bench at Skowhegan Public Library was dedicated to Francoise Labonte, who retired in July 1fter 42 years. From left, Labonte, Bree Bussell-Fitzgerald (adult circulation librarian), Angie Herrick (library director), Josie Pease (assistant director/technology librarian) and Francoise’s husband, Roger Labonte. (Josie Pease photo)

SKOWHEGAN — Francoise Labonte has retired after 42 years of service at the Skowhegan Free Public Library, and her long career that was celebrated by the Trustees of Bloomfield Academy, who oversee the library, on July 29.
At the reception, new outdoor bench was dedicated in Labonte’s name. The bench, on the front lawn in the shade of a tree, will not only provide comfort, but also wi-fi service, to library patrons for years to come. When Labonte was asked what she thought about the bench, she remarked, “I was speechless! Such a nice surprise.”

She began working at the library in 1977, at first working a few nights a week after her friend Chrissie Simeone asked her to substitute so she could have a few days off in the summer. Labonte was a substitute until 1980, when she became a regular employee. She eventually became assistant librarian.
Labonte credits her love of books and reading to her parents. Growing up in France as an only child, there was no television in her home. She and her parents spent evenings reading books. Her father was in the French army, and Labonte spent her childhood years moving. She attended four different schools one year. She spent time in South America, Martinique and Africa.
She met her future husband, Roger Labonte, in Morocco after a friend said she had an American friend who spoke French, and said he and Francoise should meet. The marriage brought Francoise to Skowhegan in 1968.
Labonte said technology has provided the biggest changes she’s seen in her 42 years at the library.
“It used to be in the evenings that teenagers would come to the library to do research,” she said. “On Saturdays, many residents would stop in to read magazines or use the computers. But now, they read everything online.”
She said contact with colleagues and friends is what kept her at the library so long and what she will miss the most.
Library Director Angie Herrick said, “I think it is safe to say that everyone who has stepped foot into this library over the last 42 years has felt lucky to know her, to work with her, or to call her their friend. We will miss her.”
Skowhegan Free Public Library was founded in 1890, and serves people from Skowhegan and surrounding communities. It is managed by the Trustees of Bloomfield Academy, which oversee preservation tthe Skowhegan Free Public Library, Skowhegan History House Museum and Research Center and Bloomfield Academy. The trustees also provide support for Library operations.