Tributes to woman described as ‘the heart of Gorleston library’

Christine Blowers, former library manager, who has died suddenly aged 60 Picture: Hilary Franzen (Image: Hilary Franzen)

Christine Blowers, the former library manager who gave more than 40 years to the service, died suddenly at home at the age of 60.

She lived with husband Andrew on the Cliff Park Estate, Gorleston.

Jean Morris, head of the book and poetry group for U3A will be making a short tribute to her tomorrow, Thursday September 20, at 2pm at the library.

People will be invited to sign a book of remembrance, which is already filled with many memories of how Mrs Blowers helped her clients, many of whom became friends.

Friends’ members with the clock at the borough council storage depot – Paul Rouse, Sheila Russell, councillor Barbara Wright, library manager Christine Blowers and councillor Marlene Fairhead.Picture: Dean Wilson (Image: Archant)

One customer even left her some money in his will because he said she had been so kind to him.

Staff are buying a clock for the library in Mrs Blowers' memory, one colleague describing her as 'the heart of Gorleston Library.'

In further tribute the lecture room is to be named after her and a concert is being arranged to raise funds for shelving for some of her favourite books.

Mrs Blowers was born in Southtown and went to the Technical High School in Gorleston where she met her husband, Andrew.

She started work at Great Yarmouth Library at the age of 16 and moved to Gorleston two years later, rising to become manager and, after funding cuts, joint manager.

She took early retirement in March but continued doing supply shifts and became a member of the Friends of Gorleston Library.