For many people in the Brighton municipality, Shirley Williams is a very familiar and friendly face at the Bridgewater Library. Behind that gentle and welcoming smile is a lifetime of community service and volunteering, with more than 25 of those years dedicated to the Brighton community.

Shirley first became involved locally when the Bridgewater and Brighton Online Access Centres were established. Having gained experience at the community-run centre in her home town of Bagdad, she joined the new centres just as they were opening. Later, when the Online Access Centres came under the umbrella of Libraries Tasmania, Shirley continued her work supporting people to learn new skills and access technology. At the time, the Brighton and Bridgewater centres were considered leading lights in the online access world.

Community involvement has always come naturally to Shirley. More than 20 years ago she attended the very first meeting that would go on to establish the Brighton Alive Community Network. She was also involved in the local Arts Committee formed by Council after a review found the area needed greater opportunities in the arts. Shirley fondly recalls performances and activities that brought creative life to venues such as the Pontville Hall.

Around the same time, Shirley started the Speaking Made Easy group for local women. The idea grew from her own need to build confidence speaking at conferences about the Online Access Centres. What began as a small gathering soon became a supportive group where women helped each other develop presentation skills and confidence.

Shirley’s passion for lifelong learning led to another significant initiative. After hearing about the University of the Third Age, she organised a public meeting to see if there was interest locally. To her surprise, around 50 people attended. “People wanted something more than bingo,” she recalls with a smile. From that meeting, the Bridgewater School for Seniors was born in 2005 and became Shirley’s pride and joy.

Many original members are still involved today. Shirley remains a strong believer in lifelong learning and has even undertaken study into dementia to help ensure community spaces remain welcoming and supportive for everyone.

Her commitment to the community has been widely recognised. In 2013 Shirley received an Australia Day Citizen of the Year Award, presented during celebrations attended by Australia Day Ambassador Normie Rowe.

Shirley has also volunteered with the Australian Red Cross and remembers being inspired by the words displayed on the Bridgewater office window: “The Power of Humanity.” She has been involved in fundraising for cerebral palsy through the Miss Tasmania Quest, enthusiastically supporting contestants and participating in friendly sweeps on who might win.

Originally from West Moonah, Shirley was the youngest of seven children and attended Springfield Gardens Primary School and Cosgrove High School. She trained as a florist and ran her own florist business in Glenorchy before she and her husband moved to Bagdad in the 1980s to build a home and raise their two children.

At the Bridgewater Library, Shirley sees the space as far more than a place for books. “It’s a place for community to gather,” she says. She especially loves working with children and older residents, encouraging literacy and a love of reading. One favourite memory involves a young boy who often visited the library to read a book called Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy. At his parents’ wedding he asked if he could say something — and simply stood up and proudly said, “Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!”

Over the years Shirley has seen many changes in the community, including the construction of the Brighton Civic Centre in Bridgewater, which she says opened exciting opportunities for arts and performances in the area.

Outside the library, Shirley is also an avid basketball fan. Her love of the game began with the old Tassie Devils and continues today as a passionate supporter of the Tasmania JackJumpers — she even has a JackJumpers number plate on her car.

While Shirley has not quite retired yet, she already has plans for when that day comes. She hopes to spend more time on her crafts, especially knitting, sewing and embroidery. Each winter she knits blankets and beanies for people experiencing homelessness — a skill she first learned from her father.

After decades of service, Shirley’s story is one of quiet dedication, kindness and a deep belief in the power of community. And for generations of local families who have passed through the Bridgewater Library doors, she has helped create memories that will last a lifetime