By Rebecca Rider
rebecca.rider@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — On the Friday before Christmas, a Christmas Happiness donation was submitted in honor of the Rowan Public Library’s unsung hero.

“Tara Greene is our security guard,” Jennifer Hubbard said.

Greene wears jeans to work, and has an unassuming presence — Hubbard said most people probably don’t realize that the library has a security guard. But Greene is good at her job.

“I just think she does an amazing job of keeping her eye on everything and everyone,” Hubbard said.

Whether it’s patrons who have left their wallets or purses unattended, a too-loud phone conversation or brewing argument, Greene smooths ruffled feathers and makes sure that people have a safe, quiet visit to Salisbury branch of the public library.

“She never does it in a way that’s embarrassing to anybody,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard said that Greene, who she described as down-to-earth, has a good “second sense” when it comes to people, and is often able to defuse situations before they escalate.

“Sometimes (patrons) come in and they’ve had a really bad day or a really bad life, and sometimes they’ll take it out on another patron or on a staff member,” Hubbard said.

But Greene helps ensure that the library runs smoothly, without interruption, and that those browsing its shelves remain safe.

Hubbard decided to dedicate her Christmas Happiness donation to Greene, in honor of her years of hard work. Hubbard began working at the Rowan Public Library in May, but said she’s fallen in love with it.

“It’s a special place to work, and a special place to be, and we’re lucky to have it,” she said.

The Christmas Happiness Fund has been ongoing since 1952 after an appeal from Post editor Spencer Murphy. He asked residents to dig into their wallets and purses to help some children have a happier Christmas. The donations rolled in and, to this day, have continued. Every eligible family receives a voucher for each child to purchase toys or clothing.

Bring contributions to the Salisbury Post, 131 W. Innes St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or mail them to The Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, N.C. 28145-4639. Make checks payable to the Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you want your donation listed.

Today’s contributions are:

• In memory of our sweet uncle and our friend, Justin Monroe, and Paw-Paw Eddie Monroe, by Rob and Caroline Monroe and Corbin and Abby Smith   $40.
• In honor of Hayes and Nancy Ratledge, by Martha and Mark Farlow  $25.
• In honor of Hayes and Nancy Ratledge, by Steve and Sue Dunlap  $50.
• In memory of Jake Kimbrell and Evelyn Stancil, by Evelyn Kimbrell  $50.
• In honor of our Sunday School teachers Billy Goodman and Debbie Miller, by the Arthur Shipton Class at Immanuel Lutheran Church  $50.
• In honor of our grandchildren, by George and Rita Ennis  $100.
• In honor of our four grandchildren: Gavin, Cheyenne, and Alli Talley and River Dyer, by their grandparents: Gregory and Janice Peeler  $150.
• In memory of Rosemary Kellner and in honor of Wayne, Kali, Caison, Jared and Rachel, by Dick and Cheryl Reavis  $30.
• In honor of the staff with whom I work at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, by Debbie Lesley  $100.
• In honor of my friends and friends of my family who have sent gifts and supported me with prayer, by Betty Alexander  $25.
• In honor of my family who has supported me the last six months, by Betty Alexander $50.
• In memory of Katherine Hobson and Kelly Hobson, by Karen Hobson $100.
• In loving memory of our sons Sam Boyd and Randy Wagoner, by Norman and Barbara Wagoner $50.
• In honor of Tara Greene for keeping the library safe for all, by Jennifer Hubbard  $25.
• In loving memory of our parents Jack and Annie Simpson and Roy and Beulah Linn, by Nancy and Jimmy Linn  $100.