Sawyerville’s sweet spot has just grown smaller and more secretive.
This week I invite you to sneak with me into the secret realm of “one of the world’s tiniest libraries ever,” cleverly hidden in downtown Sawyerville. Those are the words of Ann Rothfels, Ms. Volunteer Librarian for almost 40 years.
Since 2002 when Sawyerville was amalgamated into Cookshire-Eaton, the library occupied the front part of 11 Clifton Road. This summer, the building’s owner, Cedrick Lachance, is turning that space into apartments, and the library has returned to its original, smaller digs at the back of the building, inside the door labeled “11a.”
But the signage still invites visitors to the front door.
The library’s services are free. It is open Wednesdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Ann Rothfels reigns there. Her delicate touch creates a warm welcome. She’s sewed the blue curtains in the windows, re-covered a set of chairs, created a mattressed and cushioned reading nook for children, and painted the furniture. Denis Palmer’s artwork graces the walls.
“I have children’s picture books, I have adult fiction, French and English, I have books for adolescents,” she said. “I think everyone’s covered – French, English, young and old!”
She has audiobooks, too.
Every four months a new batch of French books arrives from the Réseau BIBLIO de l’Estrie. The English books are mostly donations from Rothfels herself, about $2000-worth of books she bought over the years from the Black Cat Books in Lennoxville.
“So I’m supporting a local bookshop, and I’m giving out of my own pocket.”
Both English speakers and French speakers go for the books she has donated. “Most of the French speakers who come prefer to read books in their original language.”
“The other way this library grows is that people keep me very busy with special requests. I’m always sending books and receiving books from other small libraries.”
That capacity widens her offerings far beyond the four walls of the library. For lack of space, she has had to cull many of the books and cannot accept donations of books.
Once I found the library, I asked Rothfels why she’s been such a faithful librarian.
Her eyes brightened. “I come from a big city – Toronto. I had access to four libraries. I was passionate about books. When I arrived in Sawyerville, there was nothing. I was desperate for a library. So it’s total selfishness. And along the way, I serve the community. I stayed with it because it was so obvious there was a need. There’s a small discerning group of citizens, not as if it’s an overwhelming response, but everyone who comes is so appreciative.”
Whole families take out books for all ages. “It’s about the only cultural thing that’s happening in this village. You know, you remove the library and you don’t have a lot left,” she said. “The library serves as a kind of gathering place. When people arrive, they don’t leave in a hurry.”
Rothfels found it unfortunate that both schools and libraries were closed simultaneously during the pandemic. “With no way to access books, it was a cruel thing to do.”
The Bibliothèque municipale de Cookshire-Eaton (secteur Sawyerville) à la Ann Rothfels is at 819-560-8593.
CANTERBURY FLEA MARKET
Last chance to visit the giant Flea Market at Canterbury Center at 1095 Route 214: It’s on for one more weekend, August 7-8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All sorts of things – antiques, collectibles and used household items – are on sale, priced from 50 cents to $50. The sale is set up inside the newly restored church building, while outside, a small farmers’ market sells vegetables and crafts. Proceeds will help maintain the historical Canterbury Center.
« We try to sell items that are in good shape, clean, and well organized, and also inexpensive, » said Tony De Melo, member of the Canterbury Center Committee of the Bury Historical and Heritage Society. « All Covid-19 protocols will be respected – hands, distance, masks. »
SUNDAY CONCERTS
The August 8th concert is Les cuivres à l’honneur, with Robin Doyon and Stéphane Beaulac (trumpets), Gabriel Gauthier-Beaudoin (horn), Martin Ringuette (trombone), and Jean-Philippe Dutil (tuba). On September 12, the concert will present the Despax Quartet with Centrine Despax and Jean Despax (violin), Maxime Despax (alto), and Valérie Despax (cello). This series of summer concerts is offered by the Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery in the Parc des Braves, 18 Parc Ave., Cookshire, at 5 p.m.
ARTISANS IN COOKSHIRE
Artisans’ creations are for sale at the Boutique du Reflet, 45 Principale E., beside the IGA. It is open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until September 5.
ART IN COOKSHIRE
The Cookshire-Eaton Art Gallery’s Hors Zone exhibit of painters André Philibert, Odette Gauvreau, and Frédéric Lapointe is at Victoria Hall, 125 Principale W., Cookshire, until September 5, open Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CHURCHES
Anglican. Bishop Bruce Myers continues to offer Home Prayers at 10:30 a.m. Sundays on Facebook, and at quebec.anglican.ca (Worship Videos). Info: 819-887-6802, or quebec.anglican.ca.
United. Home worship services are available Fridays after 2 p.m. at Sawyerville United Church (box on top of freezer), or at Trinity United Church (plastic bag at basement door). To receive services by mail or email, or for pastoral care, contact Rev Tami Spires at 819-452-3685 or spiresta@hotmail.com. Facebook info: United Eaton Valley Pastoral Charge.
Baptist. In-person Sunday services are with Covid-19 protocols in place (distancing; masks can be removed when sitting down; wear masks when singing, etc.). The service in French is at 9 a.m., and in English at 11 a.m. Persons with flu symptoms are asked not to attend services. The pastor’s message is also available on YouTube: For the link, contact Pastor Michel Houle at 819-239-8818.
Do you have news to share? Call 819-300-2374 or email rawrites@gmail.com by August 9 for publication August 18 and August 23 for September 1st.