Lee honored for 40 years at PT library
Pier Lee, the longtime director of the Peters Township Public Library who recently retired, was honored Dec. 6 by the library, township, elected officials, many well-wishers and even the president of the United States for her 40 years of service at the library.
Besides a congratulatory letter from Barack Obama, and a handful of proclamations, the library unveiled Café Lee, a snack bar named after Lee, who spearheaded efforts to get it built on the library’s second floor. Her reason for the café was typical Pier Lee – she wanted a place where people could gather, have a cup of coffee, a bite to eat and read.
“It takes everyone in the Peters Township community to build a library,” Lee said during her reception. “I feel overpraised today.”
Lee, a native of Shanghai who was raised in Hong Kong, has a master’s degree in library science from Vanderbilt University. She oversaw a continuum of changes at the library – long considered to be one of the area’s best – from a book-based business to one that is increasingly reliant on technology to meet the needs of patrons.
And during her reception, held at the library and attended by her family, Lee’s efforts on behalf of the facility were praised.
“She is a pillar of the community in a number of ways,” said Brian Schill, executive director of the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce.
“She is the heart of the community,” said county Commissioner Harlan Shober. “She is a great public servant and loves people. That shows.”
The upper level of the library offered cookies, coffee and plenty of finger food. A guitarist played classical music on the first floor for the more than 100 people who attended Lee’s event.
The library staff also assembled a video tribute to Lee, which included numerous photos of her during her tenure and of the library, as well. The tributes were shown on video on two different screens on the second floor.
“It’s very daunting and humbling to follow in her footsteps,” said current library director Myra Oleynik, who served as the event’s unofficial master of ceremonies.
Michael Silvestri, township manager, said the library is a reflection of Lee and her tireless efforts to make it one of the best.
“She pushed me to get things done,” Silvestri said. “It’s a big loss, but I am confident of Myra.”
David Ball, president of township council, agreed.
“She has helped this library grow from a back room in the township building to national prominence,” he said.
Lee cut the ribbon on Café Lee, with a massive pair of scissors borrowed from Schill, and joked they looked more like a weapon, which drew a chuckle from the crowd. The space has yet to be furnished, and attendees were asked to pick which furniture they preferred. The café , however, is open.
Even though she is no longer a daily fixture at the library, Lee said she is busy with nonprofits and wants to be an inspiration to young people.
“I would like to help newcomers to this country,” she said.
“This is the land of opportunity.”
Lee was told by Schill about a young Chinese couple who recently purchased a home in the area and needed a translator to help with the closing.
Schill asked Lee if she could help them out with any language barrier.
Not surprisingly, Lee gave Schill her phone number so the couple could call her.