LIVERMORE FALLS — Elaine Smith, director at Treat Memorial Library, has resigned due to illness.

Smith of Livermore Falls was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer in late 2013, her daughter, Amie Smith, said Monday.

Her mother is “doing real well” and is expected to start chemotherapy within a few weeks, she said.

Elaine Smith became director of the library Aug. 1, 2010. Prior to that, she had worked at the library off and on and was a longtime volunteer at the library and schools.

Smith, who grew up in Wilton and Farmington Falls, has a love of books, libraries and the community, she said when she was hired for the position.

“Elaine wishes everyone to know how grateful she and her family are for all the kindness, support, donations, prayers and love during this time,” acting library Director Myra Rosenbaum said in a release.

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During her years at Treat, she has made the library a warm and welcoming place for patrons of all ages, she said.

“Hers was the smiling face that greeted everyone as they entered,” Rosenbaum said.

Among the changes she made at the library was the creation of Elsie’s Re-Read Used Book Emporium, where books discarded from circulation and donated books are sold to raise money for the library.

“Elaine enjoyed the summer reading programs as much as the children who participated in them,” Rosenbaum said. “This past summer, Elaine even dyed her hair pink to show her support to the readers who put in so much effort to exceed the previous year’s goal.”

The library is still accepting cards and donations on behalf of the Smith family.

dperry@sunjournal.com


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