HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2016-11-24, Page 12PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2016.
Munro visits Wingham library that bears her name
A friendly visit
Nobel Prize-winning author Alice Munro, centre, visited the library that bears her name in
Wingham for the first time last week devoid of fanfare and media. Munro met with several
Maitland River Elementary School students and signed books before continuing on her way.
Escorting Munro on her visit were Avon Maitland District School Board Trustee Chair Colleen
Schenk, left, and Munro's friend Verna Steffler. (Photo submitted)
Quietly and without hoopla,
Trustee Chair Colleen Schenk met
with internationally -acclaimed
author and Noble Laureate Alice
Munro at Maitland River
Elementary School to introduce the
library that was named in her
honour.
Schenk approached Munro's
assistant months ago to set up a date
for a dedication ceremony. Munro
declined, being a private individual
who doesn't enjoy attention drawn
to herself. Convinced that Munro
would appreciate seeing the space,
Schenk approached Munro's
assistant recently to ask the question
again, this time with the promise of
no fanfare.
It was then agreed that she would
come. On Nov. 16, a low-key
gathering took place involving two
young readers, two staff, a trustee,
the author and her friend.
After warm greetings and wide
smiles in the foyer, the small band
made their way through glass doors
and there, in her hometown of
Wingham in a public school library
that bears her name, Alice Munro,
winner of the Nobel Prize for
Literature, stood.
"Alice was visibly very moved by
the decor, the window and the wall
mural," said Trustee Chair Colleen
Schenk. "She said it was beautiful
and that she was very honoured to
have the space named after her."
While carefully taking in her
surroundings, Munro chatted
warmly with staff and shared with
the students how she couldn't quite
remember when she started writing
as a young girl. She graciously
signed some books, posed for some
pictures, thanked everyone for
allowing her the opportunity and
then waved goodbye.
"What an honour it was to meet
such an icon with such humility,"
said Schenk. "She is a wonderful
role model for our students and for
all ofus"
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