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During the yearlong commemoration of the Lanier Library130th anniversary, it is only fitting that a 

non-profit membership library celebrates its members; not only those familiar to many from years of 

active involvement but also those who just helped the library reach a goal of 130 new members.

Throughout 2020, this monthly column will help members and the community get a better idea of 

neighbors who carry the Lanier card and help preserve a cultural tradition started in 1890. 

January features one of the longest members in what is the oldest civic organization in Tryon.

Nancy Ernst came to Tryon in 1951 and owned and operated the Pine Crest Inn with her husband. She 

became a Library member when she went to work as a Library Assistant in 1980 and stayed 33 years 

until retiring.

“I thought it interesting that Lanier was once for ladies only,” she says. “In my time, I remember men 

who gathered on Saturday morning…hearty, good-natured laughing. Only a few times I asked them to 

take it down a little.”

Still a current member, she adds, “it’s simply a friendly old building, intimate, with many voices talking 

and joking.”

She remembers “The circulation counter was along the wall that is now the opening to the great hall. The doorway into the administrative offices used to be a wall with a window. 

“The offices used to be down the hall where the restroom is now.” She chuckles recalling that there was a high shelf along the hallway keeping controversial books out of easy reach. Lady Chatterley’s Lover may have been up there.

“One of my first tasks was to replace children’s books with mysteries, and later add more large print books. Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twins, Oz…there just weren’t enough requests for them. Our membership was aging. But now, it seems to me, I see younger faces.” She is pleased when entering the new children’s room where there had been art books and business titles.

 

Column and photo submitted by Vincent Verrecchio