Last Wednesday, patrons and friends of the Inverness Library gathered in the garden to thank librarian Ann Bertucci for her more than seven years working as the branch’s sole librarian and to wish her well in her new position at the Civic Center. During her tenure, Ms. Bertucci initiated adult storytelling and coloring book programs, co-hosted the “Talking About Race” book club and the stamp club, and facilitated an Apple users’ support group. During the pandemic, she continued the fiber arts group and coffee klatches on Zoom. When hours were reduced and visiting restricted, she implemented curbside service.
Inverness resident Francine Allen said the library serves as the gathering place for all age groups in a town that doesn’t have a café or community center. The library is “the place we run into friends, observe children grow, and share news, ideas and treasured books,” she said, adding, “Ann understands how central the library is to many in the Inverness community. It has flourished under her care.”
The Inverness branch sits inside a house that used to belong to historian Jack Mason; it is small but thoughtfully laid out and the shelves are stocked with a fascinating range of books that Ms. Bertucci attributes to the uniqueness of the community. “This community is made up of such interesting, artistic people. Inch for inch, we have such great things on our shelves, because the people here request great things,” she said.
The library is one of 10 branches in Marin that play an important role as community hubs. Several branches have vacancies and have been in search of librarians with skills that match their community’s unique needs; Ms. Bertucci, who recently received a promotion, was chosen as an excellent fit for the Civic Center. Her feelings are mixed.
“As you can see, I get teary eyed, because it’s emotional! It’s a great opportunity, but my heart is really here,” she told friends last week.
Lana Adlawan, the recently appointed director of county library services, has known Ms. Bertucci for years. “We’re sad to see Ann’s separation from here, and it was a hard decision,” she said. “But we are so excited to see what she’s going to create at the Civic Center Library. We know her influence is going to be a really positive step.”
Ms. Adlawan said that librarians must love working with people, and Ms. Bertucci’s energy and enthusiasm make her a perfect match for her work. Inverness resident Tess Elliott, who edits this paper, said Ms. Bertucci always greeted her family with warmth and never made her feel bad about her boisterous children. “Ann has been an anchor for my kids, who haven’t had a local doctor or dentist stick around. She’s been a constant presence and a giver of books—what better role to have with children?”
With Ms. Bertucci’s departure, Inverness will have two regular staff librarians for the first time ever. The new West Marin branch manager, Madeline Bryant, who started at the end of November, said substitute staffing is in place until permanent hires are made. Hours are also expanding. Starting Dec. 13, the Inverness Library will be open on Mondays from 3 to 7 p.m., on Tuesdays from 1 to 5 p.m., on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Point Reyes Library, starting Dec. 6, will be open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Tuesdays from 1 to 8 p.m., on Thursdays from 1 to 8 p.m., and on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Marin County Free Library has also launched a community survey; you can fill it out at www.marinlibrary.org/we-want-to-hear-from-you/.