Garrettsville – Terri Leach Lawless had a gift for encouraging a sense of community. True to that spirit, her memory brought the community together for the official dedication of the Miss Terri Youth Library at the Garrettsville branch of the Portage County District Library on February 11, 2023.
Following Terri’s unexpected passing in 2021, the library’s youth room was rededicated in honor of the gentle, soft-spoken children’s librarian who brought storytime alive for at least three generations of local children. On Saturday afternoon, dozens of community members passed under the gracefully-adorned entrance featuring two intertwining trees with metalwork leaves and woodland creatures, crafted by Joe Leonard and Tim Martin.
Once inside, friends, colleagues, family members, community leaders and patrons whose children once sat at the feet of Miss Terri during her memorable storytimes all gathered together to share true stories about the lasting impact Miss Terri had in their lives.
Some, including artist Leonard and Library Director Jonathan Harris, never enjoyed the privilege of knowing Terri. Yet both felt deeply committed to honoring her memory and seeing that her legacy lives on so that future generations may be enthralled by the magic of storytelling she imparted.
Others knew her since childhood and spoke of Terri’s love of books, libraries and sense of public service she embodied since she was a schoolgirl in Hiram.
Pat Finan, former library director from 1981 to 1998, oversaw the transition from the branch’s original, cramped location in Hiram to the new, larger location on park grounds in Garrettsville. He also witnessed how the new move impacted the children’s program under the leadership of Miss Terri, who had worked at the library since graduating from Hiram College in 1979.
Thanks to the fact that “Terri knew everybody and had a kind word for everyone, our library branch attracted the largest audiences for kids’ programs and enjoyed the largest circulation of children’s books in the Portage County District Library system,” he said.
Finan also shared how he and Terri enjoyed a special bond. She even asked him to walk her down the aisle when she married her husband, Gary.
“Terri was a very special person,” he said. ”The children who got a love of reading from her storytimes are now 20, 30, 40 years old. Now they are spreading that love of storytelling, crafts, costuming and creativity to their children.“
Former Crestwood fourth-grade teacher Jo Walsh-Cobb also spoke of Terri’s influence in her life. “My first introduction to Miss Terri was via rumor of incredibleness. My 2 1/2-year-old had begun storytime, and every amazing craft, story and thought shared was recounted with glee at home. My child…had begun her love affair with books and all the related enchantment they offered in this space!”
Eventually, after Terri left her library position to raise her son, Eric, the two mothers would become friends and colleagues. Once Eric went to school, Terri became a classroom parent volunteer, then an aide and a tutor at Crestwood Schools.
“Terri was that quiet yet fantastical glue that pulled a teacher’s ideas into fruition,” Walsh-Cobb quipped. “She asked the kinds of questions and advocated for the kids’ point of view in a way that made us a better school.”
Cindy Sheehan, Secretary-Treasurer of the Friends of the Garrettsville Library, had hoped to raise at least $5,000 to help cover costs for the commissioned artwork for the Miss Terri Youth Library. To date, more than 50 donations have come in from individuals, families, clubs and civic organizations, totaling $8,900. After covering costs of the room dedication, remaining funds will further strengthen the library beyond the constraints of its operating budget.
Following the dedication ceremony, Sheehan said, “I was very happy with the attendance. It was representative support from our community, showing how much Terri meant, not just to the library, but to the community as a whole.”
In reference to the newly dedicated children’s library, Walsh-Cobb said, “I cannot help but think that this room and this space is a continuation of Miss Terri’s dedication to children. Families will see and hear her name, and like my family early on, will be surrounded by her good will and magical hopes for their future. The people that have donated time and energy to this space have helped to preserve Terri’s quiet but furiously dedicated hard work to the children of her community.”
