The Cherry Cola Book Club - By Ashton Lee Page 0,84
to coming to Becca Broccoli’s demonstrations, and we were even going to start checking out some cookbooks. We browsed through the stacks before the meeting got started and we really liked the selection.”
“Yeah! You can’t cut us off just when we’re getting started!” Terra Munrow complained. “I spotted some off-the-wall hairstyling books I’d like to read, and my boyfriend found a motorcycle repair manual he wants to check out when he comes back tomorrow to get his library card. Please don’t dangle the library in front of us and then snatch it away!”
Locke Linwood got to his feet next. “And I want to say that The Cherico Library and I go back a long way. When I was a little boy, I was hooked on all the Hardy Boys mysteries. I checked out and read every one because at the time I thought I wanted to be a detective when I grew up. Of course, I ended up selling life insurance instead, but I never forgot the sense of wonder and adventure that those books instilled in me. And the library helped sustain me later in life when the sailing got a big rough.” Then he sucked in air and lifted his chin with authority. “When my dear wife got terminally ill a few years ago, I checked out as many books as I could find on being a caregiver. I did what I could for her all the way to the end. I’d like to think that the answers I found would always be available to others in their time of need.”
Locke’s testimony inspired James Hannigan to stand up. “He’s right, you know. When my mother passed away, I was having a tough time accepting it. It was so traumatic for me because she died unexpectedly in her sleep. But then my pastor suggested that after I’d finished praying, I go to the library and see if they had any books on dealing with grief.” He paused to gesture at Maura Beth. “And Miz Mayhew, you had several for me to choose from. I checked them all out, and as I read them, I began to see that other people had gone through this and come out at the other end ready to get on with their lives. I was able to make my peace, and I accomplished that with a little prayer and my library card. That’s another reason I was so eager to help you out.”
Maura Beth finally stepped into the respectful lull that followed. “I’m fighting back tears when I say that everything I’ve just heard from all of you defines what a library is and what it does for a community. All of you are true friends of the library. I’m not sure you can put a price on that, Councilman Sparks.”
“Perhaps not,” he answered with no trace of his customary arrogance. “But the City Council has to consider the big picture in running this town. Next year’s budget will be finalized exactly two weeks from tomorrow. Money is tight, and we’re looking for ways to funnel more of it into Cherico. We’ve had the industrial park on the front burner for some time now, but we’ll make our final decision on the library at that time. All of you are welcome to attend.”
For a few seconds, Maura Beth felt like she’d lost the battle. This was not the way it was supposed to happen. How could anyone not be impressed with everything that had gone on in the library tonight? She had expected a clear decision in her favor and was temporarily at a loss for words.
But Miss Voncille had no trouble expressing herself. “I’ll get a letter and e-mail campaign going, Durden Sparks. I’ll rustle up a list of my former pupils and put them on the job. Then you’ll have to keep the library open!”
“Miss Voncille,” he replied in a tone that was semi-conciliatory, “I have not made my decision yet, and all opinions will be welcomed as the Council reviews the matter. But have you considered that the town of Cherico can do everything a little better with more revenue flowing in? Meanwhile, using library money to pay for movie posters of Gregory Peck seems a bit extravagant to me.”
Maura Beth motioned for Miss Voncille to resume her seat and was somehow able to conjure up a smile. “You seem to have covered all bases, Councilman Sparks. But I want it noted as a matter of public record that Connie McShay,