We at the East Branch Library will very much miss our frequent visits from Mr. Hegarty. Because of the construction along Broadway we had not seen as much of him in recent months, but he's been a regular here for years.

Richard Hegarty had a sharp wit, a sly smile, and great taste in old movies. We frequently requested musicals and dramas for him. Children's librarian Meghan remembers when he requested a VHS with the word "turtle" in the title. We waited and waited for that movie to arrive, but it never did--perhaps the last copy in the Minuteman Library Network was lost. But Mr. Hegarty good-naturedly quipped, "The movie is probably strapped to a turtle's back."

Mr. Hegarty also very much enjoyed borrowing music CDs and especially liked our Hank Williams collection. But I appreciated his visits because he borrowed poetry books and The National Endowment for the Arts "Big Read" program series of audio guides to great literature. He was a Renaissance man and a Citizen Scholar and we will miss his warmth and his quirky humor very much.

Affectionately,

Marylin Eastwood, East Branch Librarian, Somerville, MA

Meghan Forsell, East Branch Children's Librarian