Ruth Bates’ love of teaching, reading and the outdoors are all represented in a recent donation of snowshoes, binoculars and books to the Mattapoisett Library.

Bates was part of a small book club in town, and after she passed away last November, the remaining seven members wanted to do something to remember their friend.

“We thought as a book group we’d donate something to the library,” said Madeleine Reid, a member of the group and a library volunteer.

The group contacted Library Director Susan Pizzolato who suggested adult snowshoes, binoculars and bird books to accompany the children’s snowshoes already available to borrow.

“She loved nature,” Reid said of her friend. “We thought this was a good way to remember her.”

As a longtime substitute teacher in town, Ruth loved being around children.

The donation, said Reid, “would help kids do a little bit of research and allow an adult to go with the kids.”

In addition to teaching, Bates was active in the Mattapoisett Land Trust and would lead kids on nature walks. She was also a former member of the town’s Tree Committee.

“We thought this took care of all the things she loved – getting people outdoors and moving,” Reid said.

A well-loved member of the community, Reid said her friend was a positive influence on many.

“She always brought out the best in people,” said Reid.

The two sets of snowshoes and poles that Reid and friends donated have already been put to good use. Pizzolato said they were checked out almost immediately.

“The snowshoes were in the library for about one hour when I posted the picture of them on Facebook, and then both pairs were checked out and have been out in the world ever since!” she said.

Although the snow is melting, there’s still time to use the snowshoes. Anyone with a library card can check them out. Call the library at 508-758-4171 for availability.