INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Librarians from across the state of Indiana gathered at the statehouse Monday for Indiana Library Federation Day.
The Vigo County Public Library (VCPLE) showcased cutting-edge technology that patrons of the library get the opportunity to utilize. It was a chance to show legislators how public libraries have modernized themselves.
Monday not only was a chance for VCPL to advocate but also to celebrate.
State Senator Greg Goode (R) of Terre Haute authored a resolution honoring two VCPL employees. Goode was inspired by their story of friendship and the gift of life.
“I thought maybe it would be an opportunity to highlight this incredible story, this amazing friendship, the support for one another in action and I thought I’d love to get those ladies and their families on the floor of the state senate just to acknowledge that beautiful gift,” Goode said.
The resolution passed the senate unanimously Monday honoring Adult Services Librarian Bonnie McNair and her co-worker Lauren Hackert.
“It’s just really neat, that his office saw that and reached out to us and gave us this wonderful platform to continue about the importance of organ donation,” McNair said.
Hackert felt the moment was full circle. She said her grandfather was a state senator for around thirty years and she spent her childhood roaming the halls of the statehouse.
Senator Goode took the floor of the afternoon session, first mentioning Library Federation Day and the good work the libraries are doing across the state.
Goode then spoke about his time working at the Vigo County Public Library while he was in graduate school at Indiana State University before getting emotional when he brought up the powerful story of Bonnie McNair.
“For me, it’s been a long battle of not necessarily feeling good, but keep going through and smiling at all times,” McNair said.
Goode addressed the senate and talked about McNair’s struggle of spending 10 hours a day on home dialysis, yet waking up each morning to report to work at the library while keeping her struggle to herself. Until her husband made a plea for a living donor.
Goode explained how numerous coworkers were tested to see if they were a match. Just a few desks away, Bonnie was surprised to learn of her match, Lauren Hackert.
Being the selfless individuals the pair has been throughout the journey, they didn’t want the spotlight on them. Instead, they focused on the thousands who wait on the donor registry.
Lauren spoke our her selfless gift often described as heroic, “I wish it was more normal, and maybe someday it can be,” she said. “And so, maybe that’s part of being the hero. It’s just getting the word out so that someday it’s not such a shocking thing to do.”
McNair and Hackert were thankful to be joined by their family members for their day at the statehouse.
You can read more about Bonnie and Lauren’s story by clicking on the stories below.
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