Sometimes the most meaningful interactions occur between strangers we least expect.
Whether it’s a seemingly sudden quick conversation that sparks a long dormant dream, or sharing insights about a book in hand, it opens up a whole new perspective for the reader. These interactions are a fundamental part of what defines our community. They often make both partners feel happier, more optimistic, more empathetic, and even help combat loneliness and depression by giving them a stronger sense of belonging. Small interactions like these weave a web of connections to create something from nothing that makes a place like Fulmer Public Library of Sheridan County so special.
I’ve been working at the library for a while and have had many wonderful interactions with members of our community, or patrons as we like to call them. We discuss a variety of topics here, from history, religion and ranching to world travel and of course fishing. You don’t really realize it when things happen, but look back at these tiny interactions, which build on each other and start to form relationships. While we might not group them together with relationships like old friends and family, they are still as real as you or me.
When I think back to my time at the front desk of the library, I immediately think of two patrons I will never forget. The first was Michael Flynn, as he said, “My brother is from another Irish mother.” I would help him out from time to time, and we would talk about our lineage and all kinds of different things. One of the perks of working the front desk is seeing a dozen new papers printed every day, and one day I was flipping through Sheridan Press and noticed my friend looked like a boss in an obituary photo. He was the first deceased patron with whom I spoke regularly, and he will not be forgotten.
The second patron that comes to mind is Sam Myers. Sam and I were about the same age, and we hit it off because of our common interests. He’s a very real person, always in the moment. He would come in and interact with everyone in the library and connect with people in a refreshing and uplifting way. He’s always looking for ways to better himself and help others, doing things like teaching Japanese at the library, learning how to make homemade chocolates and cookies, and things he’ll bring to the library staff to enjoy. He’s the kind of guy who leaves the room brighter than he came in. I knew Sam had some health issues but didn’t know he passed away last month. I found this out while keeping an account for one of his donations, and it hit me hard. I’ll never forget realizing he was dead and how short and precious life seemed in that moment. I will never forget Sam, who I had the honor of knowing in the circulation department and now working on his donation account in the back office. He will continue to inspire and be a light to all who read the books added in his honor.
Sometimes I wonder how long it takes a person to read all the books in our collection, and whether it can even be done in a lifetime. The fact that life is too short for there to always be so much to read is a big part of what I think yearbooks are so special.
Even after death, each individual can continue to maintain meaningful connections with their local community, honoring their memory by speaking to others through specific books in our collection.
If you would like to learn more about adding a book to our collection in memory of a loved one, please contact the Sheridan County Public Library and look inside the cover next time you are at one of our branch libraries Special Memorial Plaques Many of our books are hand-selected to honor special people in our community.
