By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
Until her retirement in 2005, Joyce Bolden was the face of the Atmore Public Library. She served as APL director for 30 years. In fact, her retirement date was December 5, 2005, 30 years to the day since she took the position.
In November 2005, Mayor Howard Shell and the Atmore City Council honored Mrs. Bolden with a proclamation extending well wishes on her retirement, commending her for the work she had done and honoring her for her valuable friendship and service.
Mrs. Bolden was instrumental in construction of the current library, and in 1985 formed the Friends of the Library (now Library Partners), an organization highlighting library services and needs, and bringing public attention to the library.
In December, at a retirement reception in her honor, Mrs. Bolden was presented with a portrait that hangs in the library. Appropriately, in the portrait, she is holding a book. The position of library director was more than a job. Joyce Bolden loved the printed word and worked to make Atmore’s library a facility the town could be proud of.
Mrs. Bolden was involved in other areas of the community, as well, often working behind the scenes. She was a charter member of the Atmore Historical Society in the 1990s. She worked with the United Fund Board of Directors, Atmore Community Hospital Auxiliary, Heritage Park Board, the Hospitality House, and her church, St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.
Mrs. Bolden passed away at her home Thursday, June 20.
Mrs. Bolden’s obituary is on page 3A of this edition of Atmore News.