Technology center at Dimmick named in memory of late director, Rotary

Dimmick Memorial Library in Jim Thorpe recently dedicated its updated technology center, renaming it the “Susan G. Sterling/Jim Thorpe Rotary Center for Technology & Research.”

The center is an updating of the technology, networking and connectivity at the library.

Most of this is in the wiring and out of sight. The visible and user part of this is a long counter where laptops, tablets and other personal items can be connected to the internet and charged.

Speaking at the dedication was Bob Stevenson, the past president of the Dimmick Memorial Library Trustees, who oversaw this project. He was also representing the Jim Thorpe Rotary, which donated a good amount of money.

Financing also came from money donated to the Dimmick in Sterling’s memory at the time of her death.

John McGuire, the current president of the library trustees, also spoke. Speaking for the family was Jack Sterling, Susan’s husband.

Also attending from Sterling’s family were her mother, Dr. Grace Gilkeson, her brother, Mark, and his wife, Grace Ann.

Sterling joined the library staff in 1997 and in 2005 was promoted to director of the Dimmick Memorial Library. During her time, she oversaw the modernization of the library, which included bringing computers and the internet into the library.

This linked the Dimmick with other local libraries, including Lehighton and Palmerton.

Sterling also was a member of the Jim Thorpe Rotary, having served as secretary, vice president and president of that organization.

Sterling passed away in 2013 after a brief but hard-fought battle with a rare form of cancer.