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