Room named after long-time library leader, role model

By Rob Vogt Local Press Writer

A person who became synonymous with the Claresholm Public Library has literally become part of the building. Kathy Davies, who worked at the library more than 30 years, had a room named after her at the Pink Tea put on by the Claresholm Public Library on Oct. 18. The event celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Persons Case, which declared women are persons in the eyes of the law. Tony Hamlyn, chair of the library board, made the announcement. She said Davies worked at the library more than 30 years.

“To stay at a job that long, you must have passion, commitment and a true belief in what you are doing,” Hamlyn said. She noted libraries have changed over the past 30 years and Davies had to keep up. “Computers weren’t even a thing back in the day and now it’s hard to imagine how a library could even function without one. That speaks to a pattern of lifelong learning in Kathy’s case,” Hamlyn said.

She explained libraries used to be autonomous and could only rely on themselves to stock their shelves with materials and provide day-to-day operations. Davies was part of a group, mostly women, that worked hard to regionalize libraries to create efficiencies and provide better service that can only be done by collaborating with others. The Chinook Arch Regional Library System was officially formed in 1992, and now includes 33 public libraries in Southwest Alberta including Claresholm.

“This was boots on the ground work, many many meetings, advocating for the system and what it would mean to municipalities and convincing the government officials in all towns that this was the right thing to do,” Hamlyn said. The result of all that hard work is thriving libraries that are the “go to” place for information, entertainment and community connection. “

Today’s Pink Tea is celebrating strong women who made a difference,” Hamlyn said. “Kathy, you are among those women.”

Davies was also at the helm when the present library building was built and moved into back in 2004. Hamlyn expressed her appreciation, as a board member, for Davies’ help. She taught them to be better board members and guided them as they were navigating through their roles and responsibilities. Her experience and wisdom showed everyone how to see things from a different perspective.

“She always had the best interest of the library at heart and is the best library advocate out there,” Hamlyn said. “Kathy, this library is the direct result of all your amazing work so to be able to dedicate a room with your name on it to acknowledge your lifelong devotion is something to be proud of and something I do now with great pleasure.”