Former Director of Wellesley Free Library Passes

WELLESLEY, MA – The Wellesley Free Library announced the passing of its beloved former director Anne Reynolds.

Reynolds died on Friday, Jan. 20 in Portsmouth, NH, according to a statement from the library. Reynolds was the former head of Technical Services at the library and led the automation of the library catalog. She played a key role in creating the Wellesley Free Library Centennial Fund in 1983 and was recognized by the Library Journal two years later:

"The most outstanding fundraising program I studied is that of the Wellesley Free Library…Anne Reynolds continues the strong leadership of the library—services are sharp, staff morale is high.”

"Anne’s focus, determination, good cheer and warmth forged an enduring positive partnership with the Town of Wellesley and the library’s patrons," the library wrote in a statement. "Her vision and energy continue to benefit the library to this day."

Read the full obituary for Anne Reynolds below, courtesy of J. Verne Wood Funeral Home:

Anne Learnard Reynolds, 78, of New Castle died Friday January 20, 2017 at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Born in Framingham Mass., on August 29, 1938, she was the daughter of Colonel Arthur T. and Anne Nash Learnard.

She is survived by sons William and his wife Renée of Albuquerque, NM; Gordon and his wife Brenda of Acton, MA; Andrew and his wife Abby of San Diego, CA; brother, Arthur Learnard and his wife Maria of Derry, NH; niece, Marigen Learnard of Manchester, NH; nephew, Arthur S. Learnard of Derry, NH; 7 grandchildren, a great niece and a great nephew.

She was pre-deceased by her husband, George O. Reynolds 1937-1987.

Anne enjoyed a lifelong passion for reading. She was a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and Simmons College, earning credentials in Library Science. She served as director of the Wellesley Free Library, Wellesley MA, for many years. She was a patron of the arts, world traveler and avid flower gardener.

The family will hold a private celebration of Anne's life at a later date.

Photo courtesy of Wellesley Free Library

This announcement was first reported by the Swellesley Report.