New author Shirley Hethcote speaks at library luncheon

A crowd of about 30 book enthusiasts and supporters of Heginbotham Library gathered at Phillips County Museum for the annual Friends of the Library salad luncheon Feb. 11.

Outgoing Friends of the Library president Carol Fleshman welcomed guests and introduced the organization’s new officers, president Teresa Mailander and treasurer Hilda Hassler. Fleshman also reviewed the group’s three major events held each year, the Book Bonanza, Christmas Extravaganza and a spring tea.

Special guest Shirley Hethcote spoke to the group about her children’s book, “Pokie,” which was published in November. Today, Hethcote lives in Imperial, Nebraska, but she spent over 60 years living in Holyoke and has quite the reputation as an artist. Some of her work hangs in Heginbotham Library itself, and a few pieces were shown at Tuesday’s luncheon as well.

“Pokie” is the first book Hethcote has written, and it was actually rejected the first time she submitted it for publishing. She persisted, though, and now she can proudly say she’s both an artist and an author.

At the luncheon, she said that she’s given away 59 copies of the book and sold 12. That drew a laugh from the crowd, but it was also clear to see that Hethcote enjoys using her book to encourage others — especially kids.

“Pokie” is a story about an antique toy horse, but she is already working on a second book about her pet cat. Hethcote hopes to illustrate the book herself, tying her artwork and writing together in a single piece. Already she’s been busy sketching the cat’s antics.