Spotlight on the Marion Evelyn Bayne Memorial Collection

 For 110 years, Red Deer Public Library has held a special place in the hearts of Red Deerians. Among the many people who have cherished and supported our library is the late Marion Evelyn Bayne, whose memory lives on through a remarkable collection that continues to inspire and educate young readers.

Marion Evelyn Bayne was born on May 23, 1925, in Galilee, Saskatchewan, to Nels and Mary Swanson. She met her husband, Ron, in Moose Jaw while they both worked at the same business. After joining the Army, Marion was stationed in Ottawa, and the couple married on October 11, 1947. They briefly lived in Alberta before returning to a farm near Moose Jaw, where they raised three children. In 1968, the family settled in Red Deer, where Marion continued raising her children while working in various roles.

Throughout her career, Marion served as a secretary in her churches in both Moose Jaw and Red Deer, as well as in administrative positions at Red Deer businesses. However, it was her role as a librarian at Red Deer Public Library that she truly loved. Her passion for books, learning, and fostering literacy left an indelible mark on the library and the community.

After Marion’s passing in 2005, her daughter, Doreen LeClair, along with her husband Lorne, began making annual donations to establish the Marion Evelyn Bayne Memorial Collection at the library. This collection, dedicated to Marion’s memory, has been an invaluable resource for young readers in Red Deer.

We recently had the privilege of speaking with Doreen about her decision to support the library and her hopes for the collection’s impact.

Q&A with Doreen LeClair

1. What inspired you to become involved in supporting the creation of the Marion Evelyn Bayne Memorial Book Collection at our library?
I was definitely inspired by my Mom to do this. She left a huge hole in our hearts when she passed, and I wanted to find a way to honor her memory within our family, especially for her grandchildren and now great-grandchildren who never had the chance to know her.

2. Can you share a personal connection or story that motivated you to contribute to this cause?
Mom instilled the value of reading in me, my brother, and my sister from an early age. We lived on a farm north of Moose Jaw and visited the city every two weeks for groceries—and a trip to the public library. I attended story time and picked out books for the next two weeks. I couldn’t wait to get my next pile of books!

Mom didn’t have the opportunity to finish high school. She had to leave her family farm to work in the city after Grade 8, but she always had a thirst for learning. She likely would have been a teacher if circumstances had been different. She found her dream role when she worked at Red Deer Public Library for many years. She always had a stack of books at home that she was working through.

3. Why do you believe it’s important to memorialize individuals through a collection tailored specifically for children?
Mom knew the importance of reading. Knowledge is power, and the ability to read lays the foundation for success in life. She loved reading to us as children and continued that with her grandchildren. In today’s world of social media and misinformation, it’s more important than ever that kids learn to read and critically evaluate information.

4. What message or encouragement would you give to others considering similar initiatives in their local libraries?
This is an excellent way to honor a loved one’s memory. Working with the library staff was so easy—they were open to my vision and had wonderful suggestions on how to proceed. A donation doesn’t have to be limited to books; it can also support programs like Family Literacy.

5. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the long-term impact of the Marion Evelyn Bayne Memorial Book Collection?
I hope many kids are inspired to read, learn, and grow into their full potential—and then pass that love of reading on to their own kids. The Dr. Seuss quote we chose for the bookplates in Mom’s collection says it all:
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Building the Collection

Each year, we continue to add new items to the Marion Evelyn Bayne Memorial Collection. In 2024, we expanded the collection with 87 of the most popular graphic novels to meet the ever-growing demand from young readers. We’re thrilled to see so many kids excited about reading, and we’re deeply grateful for Doreen LeClair’s generous support in making this possible.

The Marion Evelyn Bayne Memorial Collection is a testament to the power of one person’s love for books and the impact that love can have on future generations. We invite you to explore this special collection the next time you visit the library and experience the legacy of Marion Evelyn Bayne firsthand.