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PHOTO: Judy Johnson, president of Friends of Belgrade Public Library, speaks about Sandra Fowler at the dedication of a plaque and bookcase of children’s classics at the library Dec. 3. (Maureen Milliken photo
BELGRADE – Laughter and tears punctuated a ceremony to dedicate a special children’s bookcase – full of classics – and a plaque to longtime Belgrade Public Library volunteer Sandra Fowler Dec. 3.
The Sandra Fowler’s Children’s Collection was created from a special fund set up after Fowler died Dec. 24, 2021. Known to local children as Miss Sandra, she volunteered at the library for more than 20 years, leading the Thursday children’s story time and craft, devoting countless hours of her time.
Judy Johnson, president of the Friends of Belgrade Public Library, told the group of 50 that gathered in the library for the dedication, that Fowler’s commitment and service, her good humor and commitment, have lived on, and helped to make the library what it is.
Others who knew Fowler, spoke as about her compassion, sense of humor, work ethic, dedication and her storytelling abilities – even if she didn’t have a book providing the story. As friends and former coworkers spoke, there was much laughter, but also some tears.
Joe Mattos, who was principal of James Bean School in Sidney from 1982 to 1997, where Fowler worked as school librarian, said that with a master’s in library science, she could have worked anywhere, but gave her all to the school in Sidney. “Her service to others was just outstanding,” he said.
Stan Davis, a former neighbor of Fowler’s in Wayne, said, “I never saw her treat anyone with anything but respect.”
He added that Fowler’s childhood in a small northern town gave her an admirable work ethic. “Growing up in a small town where you had to do everything for yourself, I don’t think there was anything she didn’t think she could do if she put her mind to it,” he said. “She cared so intensely and made her life a life of service.”
A Belgrade mother, who has brought her five children to story time for the past 15 years said she thinks of Fowler often. “She has loved all my children and brought us so much joy,” she said. “She is definitely going to be missed.”
In honor of Fowler, Kim Dawes, who now leads the weekly Belgrade Public Library story time, read a Christmas story to the children who attended the dedication, followed by a craft time.
The permanent collection below Fowler’s plaque has a place of honor in the children’s are of the library.
PHOTOS: Joe Mattos, principal of Bean School in Sidney from 1982 to 1997, where Sandra Fowler worked as the school librarian, speaks about Fowler at the dedication of her children’s book collection (below); Kim Dawes, a member of the Belgrade Public Library staff who now leads the library’s weekly story time, reads to children at the dedication (middle). Children attending the Sandra Fowler Children’s Collection dedication take part in a craft after hearing a story. (Maureen Milliken photos)
