Library display honors resident's legacy
<p>Library visitors Catherine Lafayette and Deianira Baker admire the display of Christmas nutcrackers, a new feature honoring the legacy of community member Sydne Van Horne. (Photo by CAMERON RASMUSSON)</p>
SANDPOINT — Right in time for the holidays, a charming display of nutcrackers is honoring the legacy of a beloved community member.
Before she passed away in October, Sydne Van Horne was a common sight in the community, offering her services to a multitude of different organizations. One such public institution was the Sandpoint Library. Now her former colleagues are remembering her contributions by displaying her large collection of festive nutcrackers — about 60 in total. According to library administrator Sue Elsa, the loaned nutcrackers were a generous contribution from Van Horne’s daughters, Rachel Nordgaarden and Stefanie Van Horne.
“I asked if I could use it for the library, and they said yes,” Elsa said.
The display has proven to be a hit with library visitors. Elsa said admirers have frequently commented on the sheer variety of nutcrackers present, as well as the creativity and vibrancy of their design. That’s an encouraging response to a project near and dear to her heart, Elsa added.
A project undertaken with fellow librarian Linda Plaster, the nutcracker display greets individuals as they enter the building. The glass-enclosed display features about 60 nutcrackers of varying shapes, sizes and designs decoratively arranged over several shelves.
Van Horne acquired her collection over the course of many years between her extensive travels and gifts from friends. The nutcrackers will remain on display until Jan. 21, at which point, it returns back to the family.
“This is a way to honor Sydne and also to share her collection with the community,” Elsa said.
Indeed, Van Horne contributed more than her fair share to Sandpoint throughout her more than 40 years of living in the town.
Her volunteerism included work with the Community Assistance League, the Pend Oreille Arts Council, Lost in the ’50s, the Festival At Sandpoint, Sandpoint High School Grad Night and the Bonner General Hospital Healing Garden, in addition to her work with the library. Her efforts earned her the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Service Award in 1984 and a Woman of Wisdom recognition in 2000.
“She was a very good friend of mine, and she had a huge impact on the community,” Elsa said.