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[VIDEO] Dr. Shirley Spears retires from B.B. Comer Memorial Library

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SYLACAUGA, Ala. – “I’m so overwhelmed right now, ” said former B.B. Comer Memorial Library Director Shirley Spears. She did not think many people would attend her retirement celebration Wednesday Morning.

She was wrong.

Hundreds from the community came to the library Wednesday to honor Spears for her more than 33 years of service.

“Dr. Spears is so worthy to be recognized. She came to the library at a time when people in Sylacauga didn’t understand why there was such a big library building,” said Tracey Thomas. Thomas is the new director at the library. “Dr. Spears came in and implemented programs and services that mean so much to the community.”

Spears brought in many programs to enhance both adult and child education including learning series such as the Brown Bag Lunch Series. These programs and services are all a part of a legacy Spears created that is unmatched by most. Spears said one her greatest achievements was making sure the library served the people.

“I wanted the B.B. Comer Memorial Library to be very community centered and also very service oriented,” she said.

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The accomplishments did not stop when Spears retired on March 1.

After guests enjoyed refreshments on Wednesday, they made their way into the library auditorium where Spears was showered with more awards. She received a symbolic key to they library and a marble sculpture. She was declared Director Emerita and even had the customer service desk named in her honor.

Spears meant everything to the library…and the library meant everything to her. She believes her successor has the skills to keep the library running smoothy.

“She has the technology skills…and I saw technology coming and library service changing drastically,” said Spears. “It’s going to come so fast for us and she will be very comfortable with that. She is so good with technology.”

The library will not change drastically under Thomas’ time as director. She said she simply plans to build on the foundation laid by Spears.

Jeremy Law for SylacaugaNews.com | © 2017, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.


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