New library will be in ‘Ivey’ league of its own

Cathy Ivey believed she was never fully dressed without a book in her hands.

She always seemed to have her nose stuck in one, turning pages and pressing bookmarks.

Whenever she sat down for a meal, she usually kept a novel within arm’s reach. She scattered crumbs in the creases of Erik Larson and Jane Austen.

“Cathy and the written word were extremely close friends,’’ said Dr. Ty Ivey, her husband of 53 years.

There are almost a dozen books stacked on Cathy’s bedside table. They have remained untouched for six months. Ty cannot bring himself to move them.

Cathy died April 7, the same week as the annual Friends of the Library Old Book Sale. She had been a member of FOL since a few years after its inaugural sale in 1969. That was back when Amazon was just a river in South America and everyone knew how to use a card catalog.

I cannot read or hear those four words — Friends of the Library — without thinking of Cathy Ivey. She was the name and face of the organization. She advocated for the city’s libraries and literacy programs.

She was the truest friend of the Friends, serving on the board of directors since 1978 and as president during four different decades. Under her leadership, the old book sales generated more than $2.5 million to help fund local libraries. Yes, all those $1 and $2 book deals  added up.

Her bright yellow apron was a mainstay at the FOL sales, first at Westgate Mall and then moving around with more twists and turns than a paperback romance. Over the years, the sales set up shop at three different buildings in Central City Park, followed by brief stints at the Macon Centreplex and Riverstreet Corners shopping center.

In late July, the Middle Georgia Regional Library closed its Riverside branch with plans to relocate to 5494 Forsyth Road. The doors will soon swing open at the corner of Marjane Drive, next to the FOL’s headquarters and bookstore.

Two weeks ago, library director Jennifer Lautzenheiser announced the new north Macon branch will be named the Cathy Ivey Community Library.

A sign has already gone up along busy Highway 41. The dedication will be held at 1 p.m. Oct. 13. Appropriately enough, the 20th annual National Friends of Libraries Week follows Oct. 19-25.

Those who knew Cathy are certain she would be honored and humbled. And, Ty added, she might even be a bit embarrassed at all the attention. Her modesty was unmatched. She was as low-key as they come.

Whenever the spotlight shined on her, she went backstage and brought out somebody to share it with her. She was content to be a foot soldier — even though she had the credentials of a five-star general.

The downtown Washington Memorial Library opened in November 1923. It was named after Hugh Vernon Washington, a Macon judge and leader in the library community in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The only other branch library named after a person is the Dr. Charles A. Lanford library on Houston Road. Lanford was a longtime family physician and civic leader in the Rutland community.

Cathy was born in Philadelphia. Her family moved to Macon when she was 3. Her father was a dermatologist. She graduated from Miller High School for Girls.

Although Ty graduated from Lanier High for Boys, they did not meet until they went on a blind date years later.

“In her dormitory at Duke, most of her roommates would be sitting around playing bridge, and she would be over in the corner reading her book,’’ Ty said.

Not long after their first date, Cathy moved to Boston to start her job with a publishing company. Ty stayed in Macon and began his long and highly respected career as a dentist.

They married in the spring of 1971. They built a life together and enjoyed being in each other’s company.

Cathy immersed herself in reading and volunteering with the Friends of the Library. She was passionate about her work with a local association to promote literacy in Macon. She served as librarian at Vineville United Methodist Church for 35 years.

When he wasn’t pulling teeth and filling cavities at his dental practice, Ty developed an interest in bird watching and photography.

“We had our own lives, different hobbies,’’ he said. “When we went on a trip, she had her books, and I had my birds. Nothing that I did kept her from reading. I can remember going on a search for a yellow-headed blackbird in Wyoming. We went out there, and I found a whole flock of them. I got back to the car, and she was reading her book.’’

A month before she died, they were talking about reading lists. Ty told her he wanted to get back to reading more. He mentioned a book he was interested in, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.’’

“She didn’t say a word,’’ Ty said. “She walked out of the room and disappeared somewhere. When she came back, she handed it to me. I didn’t even know we had a copy.’’

Cathy was beloved. There wasn’t an empty pew at her memorial service at Vineville Methodist — six months ago this week.

Dr. Jimmy Asbell, the senior pastor at Vineville, told those gathered they had probably never been given homework at a funeral.

“I have to say I have never assigned any before, but I am today,’’ Asbell said. “In honor of Cathy, read something. Pick up a book. Hold it in your hands. Curl up, if you like … but read. Take some time to read.’’

If you need a book, I know a good place to check out one. It’s an Ivey league library of its own.

Ed Grisamore is the author of nine books and was named the 2010 “Georgia Author of the Year” in the Essays Category by the Georgia Writers Association. Write columnist Ed Grisamore at gris@maconmelody.com.