GORHAM, ME — After two years of fostering our community’s appreciation for good books and good company, The North Gorham Public Library Director, Lea Sutton decided it was time to retire. She has quite a long list of mostly fun things she plans to dive into, including a stack of books she hasn’t had time to read. If you belong to our book club, you’ll get to visit with her every month, and we’re hoping that once she settles down a bit from the joy of no longer working, we can entice her to volunteer now and then. Thank you, Lea, for the many gifts you brought to our library and each one of us.

Lea’s last day was July 31st and since then, Diane Atwood has stepped into her shoes. Atwood wrote: “I knew from being the Assistant Librarian there were far more responsibilities than most people realize. I also knew that when the Board offered me the position, I would forever be disappointed if I didn’t accept. Since childhood, libraries have been sacred spaces for me, and when my daughters were young, I wondered if someday, I could become a librarian. So, here I am! I hope I can live up to the strong example of all the librarians in our community who have come before me.

Thankfully, it won’t be a solitary commitment. We have a devoted board, many wonderful volunteers, and a new Library Assistant — Debbie Ledoux from Standish. Recently retired from a career as a dental hygienist, Debbie was looking for a part-time job that brought her joy. Being surrounded by friendly people and books begging to be read fit the bill! Welcome, Debbie!               

We hope you’ll come in to visit us soon and often. As did Lea, we all have an appreciation for good books and good company!”

Lea Sutton (L) Diane Atwood (R)