by Shawn Nowlin
Anytime someone new walked in the Melrose Plaza Public Library over the last five years, librarian Antinette Beane, 60, made an intentional point of greeting them with a warm embrace.
You can say that it’s in her DNA. At a time when the Gainsboro Library was the only one in the area where African Americans could patronize because of Jim Crow, Beane’s great aunt Louise Bowling served there as a librarian.
“My upbringing greatly shaped the person that I am today. After taking classes at Virginia Western Community College and earning an associate’s degree, I enrolled in virtual classes through Old Dominion University,” Beane said in a phone interview. “It was a multi-year journey, but with the support of loved ones, I completed a master of library services program.”
More than just a place that checks out novels and hosts book clubs, the Melrose Library also offers teen writing groups and community dinners, among other things.
In a city as diverse as Roanoke, it should come as no surprise that Beane has watched countless young people grow up and seamlessly transition into adulthood.
Beane has always cared deeply about her community. After decades of public service, she is retiring.
To show appreciation for all that she has meant over the years, a Beane Block Party was held at the library on May 15. There were balloons, music, food and hugs for everyone. Among those who showed up to honor Beane were Mayor Joe Cobb and Library Director Amber Lowery, both longtime family friends.
Speaking about their dear friend and colleague, Roanoke Public Libraries wrote in its Facebook page, “You all showed up and showed out for the Beane Block Party. From big laughs to emotional moments, these pictures captured the heart of the night perfectly.”
It continued, “There were reunions, stories shared, a few tears, and of course, countless hugs. So many people dedicated their time and talents to making Mrs. Beane’s night special.”
As the late American memoirist Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
In Beane’s case, she hopes that her legacy lives on in the memories of different generations. “A combination of colleagues, friends and library patrons have all reached out to wish me well in the next chapter of my life. People going out of their way to do that has meant the world to me.”
