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During the yearlong commemoration of its 130th anniversary, Lanier Library is celebrating members in

this monthly column. These profiles will help the community get a better idea of the neighbors who

carry the Lanier card and are helping preserve a cultural tradition started in 1890.

“This is my favorite room in the Library, and this has been my favorite chair for at least 10 years for meetings of the selection committee and the Book Lovers Club,” says Rachael Gould, sitting at the southeast corner of the table in the Holmes Room.

Born in Columbus, OH, Rachael, remembers her mother owning a bookshop and reading to her every night. “We loved books and I’m still an avid reader.” With that background and a degree in History and English, it’s only natural that Rachael found a sense of purpose in helping a historic library stock its shelves to appeal to the wide range of member interests.

“For about 10 years my husband and I had been touring the Southeast for a place to retire and one day just happened down 108 into Tryon. Right after we moved here from Pittsburgh in 1994, we joined Lanier Library. I felt comfortable as soon as I walked in the door and met Nancy [Ernst]. It was a warm and welcoming experience in a gracious building.

“I would have liked to have been here to help the LeDuc sisters and the other brave women who started the Library, but I’m content today feeling a part of a wonderful constant. I’ve been a member for probably more than about 25 years and Lanier is as welcoming as ever. Meeting friends, pleasant chats, never a word spoken in anger except the time I bent to pick up a book I dropped and hit my lip on the edge of the table.” With a grin, she pats the corner. She also notes a fondness for the nature programs that have been on the increase.

 

Submitted by Vincent Verrecchio