NALP Saint Lucia mourns the passing of former librarian Ms. Frances Niles...

It is with deep sadness that the National Association of Librarians and Information Professionals (NALIP) Saint Lucia mourns the passing of a former librarian Ms. Frances Niles (who grew up on Chaussee Road Castries with her mother, former librarian -Margaret Augustin).

Ms. Niles first attended the Castries Intermediate School then later became a student at the St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School. After pursuing her secondary school education, Ms.Niles entered the work environment at Minville & Chastanet Limited. However, less than a year later, she would follow in her mother’s footsteps and enter the library field which became her lifelong profession.

From 1964 until her retirement Ms. Niles worked in the field of librarianship. Though it was not her first choice of career, it was clear that library skills were an inherent part of her nature. Upon the death of librarian Ms. Prescott, Ms. Niles became the acting librarian at Central (Public) Library for the rest of her tenure. However, this agile lady did not stop there. She furthered her career and became a librarian at the St. Mary’s College. Her name can even be found in the statesman year book at the college.

But who was Frances Niles?

A lady of precision. A kind lady who adopted her coworkers as part of her extended family. A strong woman who raised eight children. She travelled the world: France, UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Martinique to name a few places.

A woman who has remained eloquent, graceful and knowledgeable, who exudes a warm spirit to all she encounters.

May her family and loved ones be comforted by the wonderful memories they shared with Ms. Niles.

May she rest in eternal peace.