By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

Every summer they descend upon the Keller Public Library like moths to a flame.

Each week they have so much fun, they forget about the fact they might be reading or learning – because the light that attracts them makes it all so darn much fun. And the light that makes it all possible is a spunky, fun-loving, vivacious woman named Jean Rahm.

Jean Rahm has help direct, organize and energize the Summer Reading Program at the local public library – bringing dozens and dozens of kids every summer. And her wit and energy and love of children make it all a smashing success.

Rahm was honored as the Friend of the Year from the Friends of the Library organization. The award was presented during the Friends’ annual Fashion Show and was presented by Library Director Pam Trammell – with the able assistance of four handsome young men who had once been students in her music classroom at Central Elementary School.

“They come from far and wide – the young and not-so-young. Newborns, toddlers and teens. Mother, Grandmother, and Aunt Fern from Florida, all who may pretend to be accompanying the children, but who secretly can’t wait for the production about to begin,” Trammell said in her introduction of Rahm.

She described the excitement that kids – and adults – share each summer at the library.

"Their excitement builds as they approach the room, because the upbeat tempo of the contagious music reaches their ears long before the door opens to reveal an ordinary room that has been transformed into a fantasy wonderland. Jaws drop and kids squeal,” she said. “The ringmaster enters, unrecognizable in her costume, but unmistakable by her energy, her infectious laugh and her gaggle of talented and willing volunteers and an ever-changing smattering of grandchildren, all eager to please her.”

Rahm has given of her many talents – and considerable time and energy – each summer for the young people’s reading program. The children pack into the library for the fun and action and excitement, and in the process they learn the rewards found in just reading a book.

The retired elementary music teacher had no idea when she went to the Fashion Show that she would share the spotlight. Her good friend Janice Barney convinced her to attend the show without sharing a word about the surprise. As Trammell gave her introduction, four young men rather stealthily made their way to the back of the room.

After the announcement of Rahm’s award was made and the crowd was on their feet applauding, Nate Watkins, Ben Rodgers, Jacob Bollinger and Drew Mason escorted their former music teacher to the podium (all four have put those early music lessons in Rahm’s classroom to good use and are today all members of the DHS Chamber Choir).

“She shares her talent community-wide, delivering a literacy program through music, animation, games, make believe, and always, always lots of fun,” Trammell said.

Rahm’s vivacious and energetic nature was evident as she was escorted down the Fashion Show runway. Not one to just walk with she can skip, Rahm took Nate Watkins on the ‘walk’ of his life – skipping down the runway and swinging around a full speed at the end of the walkway!

“You could sum her up in this way: She simply loves children, and has never lost the ability to see the world through their eyes,” Trammell said. That’s a rare gift.”

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