Jason Futch
Reporter2.RiverbendNews@gmail.com
A generous donation to the White Springs Public Library in August has provided local anglers with an opportunity to take care of their fly-tying needs. It also provides a new teaching tool for the library's fly-tying instructors to utilize.
On Aug. 14, the library announced Susan Poucher had donated a bench and materials owned by her late husband, Larry Poucher, for the library’s fly fishing class and the community to utilize.
According to Miranda Beard, who works at the White Springs Public Library, Susan saw a friend’s Facebook post about the fly fishing classes being held at the library and felt compelled to donate her husband's collection.
"[Susan] wanted to make sure his collection was well used and not collecting dust," Miranda said. "So we went down to New Smyrna Beach, where she lives, with a trailer and picked it up." She also said the bench included Larry's entire collection of fly fishing tools, including recipes and instructions. Two fly fishing rods and a tying vise were also included with the collection.
The fly tie bench has been used in monthly classes, hosted by Mark Beard and Larry Bussey. While Mark hosts tying instruction, Bussey teaches students how to cast their rods. Following the classes, students are eligible to check out one of the two rods to use. Their next class will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All materials are provided thanks to Susan's generous donation.
To learn more about the fly fishing bench or to participate in classes, contact the White Springs Public Library at (386) 397-1389. The bench is available to all Suwannee River Regional Library patrons in Hamilton, Madison and Suwannee Counties. The White Springs Public Library is located at 16403 Jewett St.