Everyone loved Martha Vines.

As the Emmaus Library's children's librarian for 26 years, she inspired area children, and then their children, to love books and reading.

Vines died April 8 after a long illness.

Newspaper tributes and handwritten notes left at the library in her memory painted a picture of a woman totally involved with her community, a lover of books and reading, who was always ready to share her passion of the written word with children and adults alike.

One tribute, left in a memory book in a child's handwriting at the library, described Vines as "so cool and awesome, and such a joy to be around. I've known her since birth," and was signed SJW.

Barb wrote, "Martha was number 1 at the library and in the community. Cheers and smiles for you always."

At her memorial service, held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Emmaus, the Rev. Waldemar R. Vinovskis, pastor of Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church on Brookside Road, Lower Macungie, remembered how gracious Martha was with his children during reading programs at the library and how she would sometimes engage him in a debate when he would come to pick up his children.

At the service, Vines' son, John, said she had three children, George, John and the whole community of Emmaus.

Annette wrote of Martha, "Your stories inspired my children and always brightened my day."

Library Director Frances Larash said, "Martha really cared about children and about their safety and well-being."

A note left by Leslie, Bruce and Samantha said, "Your passion for 'your kids,' for books and for life in general, was an inspiration to all of us."

Ingrid thanked Martha, in a note "for introducing me to so many great children's books."

Kim said, "Your knowledge and love of books always amazed me, and you always had a suggestion for a book that I would love."

Her suggestions were not limited to children. A few years ago this writer was covering a Sept. 11 Heroes' Night at the library remembering first responders on the anniversary of the 2001 attack on America.

I never knew she paid any attention to the books I regularly checked out at the library.

She approached me and said, "I know what you like. Why don't you try one of Vince Flynn's books?" I checked out the first in his series of spy mysteries and was hooked. I read the whole Mitch Rapp thriller series and was saddened when the series ended last year with Flynn's death at age 47 after a long battle with prostate cancer.

A note from Alison, summoned up the feelings of many area residents. "There is no way to replace such a wonderful lady. You made a tremendous difference to so many children and inspired a love of books in many children – including my own."