On a beautiful summer Saturday afternoon with low humidity, temperatures in the low 80’s and bright sunny skies, most folks in Hampton are in their yards, at the beach, having BBQ’s and enjoying the summer day. However, Sonja Larsen is where she is most every Saturday afternoon. At Fletcher Memorial Library, volunteering.

Almost a quarter century ago, Sonja Larson’s husband showed her an article in The Gazette noting that the library needed volunteers. Neither of them, at the time, anticipated how Sonja’s love of books, people and organizing, would lead to 24 years of service to Fletcher Memorial Library. The Volunteer Assistant Librarian loves Fletcher Memorial Library, referring to it as “her baby”. Notwithstanding, Sonja’s hours are winding down so she can spend more time with the very person that first brought her to Fletcher, her husband Peik.

Sonja recalls when she first began volunteering, Louise Oliver was librarian, Claire Winters Assistant Librarian and Ruth Halbach volunteered. Sonja fondly remembered that she and Claire would have conversations on their love of books and was a fountain of information on the library. Sonja learned cataloging (done manually in the card catalog at the time) as well as to do any task that was needed, ranging from ordering books, cleaning shelves, and staffing the front desk.

Ordering books is what she calls her most enjoyable yet difficult challenge. Being involved in the library and with its patrons, Sonja says, helps her with this challenge. She humorously recalls when asking a visitor about his tastes and choices of books, and his reply – “Who are you, the FBI?”

Sonja believes a diversity of books is needed to meet the needs of our community. Young people, as well as retired folks, have various likes, and she tries to satisfy them all. Non-fiction selections, she noted, is her most difficult task.

Sonja is most proud of the progress seen at Fletcher over the years. A collaboration of new people with new ideas, creating new programs, as well as the new building expansion, have all contributed to the growth of Fletcher. She also pointed out that librarian Deb Andstrom has contributed to this progress as well.

Although there may be a reduction in Sonja’s hours, volunteering at the library has had a significant and lasting impact. The library is in a very good place, thanks to volunteers like Sonja Larsen.

Beth Regan