METHUEN — The next time you pick up a book at Nevins Memorial Library, you may find a name plate on the inside cover.
Over the past six years, members of the North Regional Theatre Workshop have donated books to the library whenever a cast member has lost a loved one or a friend.
Last Tuesday, Denis Webster-Greene presented eight books to the Nevins Library on behalf of the theater troupe. It's the largest donation they've ever given the library, he said.
Started in 1978, the Methuen-based nonprofit produces musical variety shows and choral concerts. Money collected from those shows is used to purchase the books.
Webster-Greene said donating the books is the group's way of thanking the library for allowing the theater troupe to hold its meetings there.
"We love performing, acting and singing, and we sincerely believe in giving back to the community," he said. "Books are a way to keep your imagination alive and learn from other people's perspectives."
Kirsten Underwood, head of reference services at Nevins, was pleased with the books, which focused on baseball, football, freemasonry and firefighters.
"We're always thrilled when people think of us," she said. "It shows how important these people were to them and encourages a love of learning and popular reading."
The theater group's board members meet with the families of the deceased to find out about their personal lives, profession, interests and hobbies so they can buy just the right book.
"It's one way to keep our members and families close to our heart," Webster-Green said.
The books selected by the theater troupe's board touched members of the group who were on hand Tuesday to see their loved ones honored.
For Sharon Fluet of Andover, the book "Firefighters" was the perfect one to remember her late uncle Norman Fluet, a longtime Methuen firefighter.
"My uncle lived and breathed firefighting," Fluet said. "He was always there for the parades and collecting money in the boots. This is the perfect book because it goes through their life and the profession which they love."
Similarly, Roberta Barlow was pleased with the book "Wheelchair Sports," chosen in memory of her brother, the Rev. Neil Eichhorn.
Born with spina bifida, Eichhorn spent his early years at Shriner's Hospital in Springfield. But he did not let the disease prevent him from playing sports, even if it was in a wheelchair.
"It's personally meaningful," said Barlow, of Windham. "This book is a nice way for him to live on and continue giving."
Eichhorn, a United Church of Christ minister, was pastor of First Congregational Church in Salem, N.H., in the 1970s. He died in February at age 71.
Maureen Pilot of North Reading became emotional when she was presented the book "Waterline" in memory of her father, Raymond Mahar, who died last January.
"My dad always had boats, and they were very much a part of his life," Pilot said. She said her father and brother were best friends and worked on boats together. "This is going to be a lasting reminder of him."
Tom and Janice Kilburn of Wilmington were presented with two books — one in memory of Tom's father, Walter Kilburn Jr., and one for Tom's brother, Arthur Cashin. Both men died this spring.
"This is something tangible that you can remember them by," Tom Kilburn said.
In addition to the books, the theater group donates money for the Nevins library children's program and has used funds to renovate the piano.
Webster-Greene finds it ironic that the books will be at Nevins Memorial Library in memory of loved ones.
"It perpetuates a love of reading because it helps the library get books and it keeps their memories alive," he said.
Books donated by North Regional Theatre Workshop:
"Waterline: Of Fathers, Sons, and Boats" by Joe Soucheray, in memory of Raymond Mahar.
"America's Game," by Michael MacCambridge, in memory of Arthur Cashin.
"The American Way of War: A History of United States Military Strategy and Policy" by Russell Weigley, in memory of Timothy Templin.
"The Everything FreeMason Book" by John K. Young and Barb Karg, in memory of Harold A. Arnold.
"Firefighters" by Joellen L. Kelly, Robert A. Yatsuk, and J. Gordon Routley, in memory of Norman Fluet.
"Red Sox Nation: An Unexpurgated History Of The Red Sox" by Peter Golenbock, in memory of Bill Polsontti.
"Rescue Men" by Charles Kenney, in memory of Walter Kilburn Jr.
"Wheelchair Sport: A complete guide for athletes, coaches, and teachers" edited by Vicky Goosey-Tolfrey, in memory of the Rev. Neil R. Eichhorn.
