It is a testament to Alyce Deveau’s energy and love for Swampscott that, even as she announced her retirement as town library director last week, she unveiled her plans for a project to help local seniors stay in their homes.
In her 25 years as director, Deveau has stayed true to her goal for the Burrill Street library: Make it a community center as well as a building packed with books.
Patrons can participate in knitting groups and sign up for ukulele lessons as easily as they can browse for books or check out music and movies.
Working with her dedicated staff, Deveau ensured the library offers multifaceted programs for young people. Gov. Charlie Baker’s wife, Lauren, is a frequent guest reader in the children’s room, and plenty of opportunities for learning and fun are provided to young adults.
Deveau’s attention to new technology and its ability to bring reading remotely to library patrons served the town well during the pandemic, with virtual programming and remote learning opportunities made available.
Library staff under her guidance offered home delivery of books and provided various forms of online programming, including interviews, instructional videos and even podcasts.
Deveau hopes the library can fully open again in September — a month before her retirement. Even as she helps transition the library to new leadership, she has helped launch Seaglass Village along the lines of a national model for the senior-oriented program.
As described on its website, Seaglass Village is “a community of neighbors” helping seniors maintain their independence and remain in their homes. Volunteers and paid workers provide services like dog walking and rides and the program has strong social and recreational components.
Deveau also plans to stay involved in several library groups and town residents will appreciate knowing her rich institutional knowledge and value as a reference source will continue to be readily available.
Libraries are community cornerstones and the Burrill Street library has grown and prospered under Alyce Deveau’s leadership.
