Frances Anne Goode was a beloved children's librarian and storyteller who inspired many in her years at Chesterfield County Public Library. Now, CCPL is commemorating her legacy with the Frances Anne Goode Collection.
Frances Anne Goode played an instrumental role at Chesterfield County Public Library. Goode became a part-time children's librarian at CCPL in 1969, and eventually went full-time as the Director of Children's Services for Chesterfield County Public Library. During her time at CCPL, she created programs and initiatives that encouraged young people to explore the world of books and the love of reading. She passed away on Christmas morning, December 25, 2022.
She was known for her passion for children's books and her gift for storytelling. After her retirement in the 1980s, Goode’s passion for storytelling never faded, and she continued to share tales at libraries, schools and organizations during the holiday seasons.
To commemorate her contributions, Chesterfield County Public Library has established the Frances Anne Goode Collection which includes 15 titles published during her tenure at CCPL. The books, marked with a memory plate, recognize her service to the residents of Chesterfield County. The titles can be found by searching “Frances Anne Goode Memorial Collection” in the library’s catalog. Some titles in the collection are “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” by Judi Barrett, “In the Night Kitchen” by Maurice Sendak, “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss, and “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs. They reflect her love for children, books and storytelling.
Frances Anne Goode will be remembered as a librarian whose love of children's books and storytelling touched the lives of so many. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she inspired to discover the magic of books, and in the memories of those who had the privilege of working with her and knowing her.
