For Rose Morris, the Galesburg Public Library is more than a building with books—it's a second home, a social hub, and a creative refuge.
A lifelong Galesburg resident, Rose has fond memories of taking the bus downtown as a child with her mom to visit the library. Today, at nearly 80 years old, she still makes regular visits, now with a tote full of yarn and a heart full of purpose. Whether she’s attending a craft program, watching a movie, or tucked away reading, Rose says the library is part of what keeps her connected and thriving. “It’s my social life,” she shares. “I come here, I see people, I talk to people. It keeps me active.”
A talented knitter and crocheter, Rose channels her creativity into giving. Years ago, she taught herself to knit using a library book—and never stopped. She founded “Hats of Love,” a group at her church that creates handmade hats, mittens, and blankets for newborns, cancer patients, and veterans. She also knits “stump covers” for amputees, makes worry worms for kids, and donates cross-shaped bookmarks and prayer cloths. “I just like doing things for people,” she says simply. “If I can brighten someone’s day, that’s worth it.”
But Rose’s kindness doesn’t stop with yarn. She’s active in her church, helps organize free meals, crafts with kids, and even serves on Galesburg’s Public Transportation Advisory Committee to advocate for more equitable access. A former rider herself, she once rode every bus route to document the lack of benches and shelters and brought a map of her findings to city leaders.
From her handmade gifts to her community advocacy, Rose threads compassion into everything she touches. Her life is a testament to the power of service, resilience, and small acts of connection—and the library is where so many of those threads come together.
“I’m alone, but I’m not lonely,” she says. “Being here—being with people—that makes all the difference.”
If you see Rose at the library—knitting needles in hand or a book in her lap—be sure to say hello. Chances are, she’ll brighten your day, just like she’s brightened ours.
Want to share your library story or nominate someone for Bookmarked?
Reach out to Heather Sipes at heather.sipes@thegplf.org or (309) 343-6118 ext. 1303.
