News in Youth Services

                                              In Memory of
                                              Leann Skeens
                           November 20, 1960 - October 25, 2016

In the library world, there are many bags, especially at a conference.  I have one special tote bag with Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy on the sides.  It was a gift from a dear friend and colleague, Leann Skeens.  Normally, I would just use it as a place to put my coffee mugs, current chocolate supply, and craft supplies for work.  All three are required during a typical day in Youth Services.  However, with Leann gone, I have new things to carry around.

Leann was really special for us.  When finding books for someone, she was professional and personal.  She was great at seeing the immediate need and sensing other personal things to share.  Her commitment to children's materials and Readers' Theater for school age readers was just one of her passions.  The kind of detail and integrity behind her thoughts and actions in life was hard to miss.

Leann fought cancer for the last four years.  After treatments, she would come in to take care of the next item on her list.  With the different medicines, she would adjust her diet again, and then use her mental energy to advance the needs of the Youth Services Department or the library as a whole.  That kind of determination and courage was amazing to witness.  She had a deep well of faith to fuel her positive outlook on life.


Elizabeth Larimer

Labels: Leann Skeens