Velva celebrates Iris Swedlund in library renaming

VELVA, N.D. (KMOT) - The Velva Public Library now bears the name of one of its longtime librarians.

Community members gathered together Thursday to unveil the new name — the Iris Swedlund School and Public Library.

The Velva school gym was in the retired librarian’s favorite color.

Swedlund, who retired in 2013 but continues to work as a substitute, says her colleagues and kids were keeping the ceremony a secret.

She recalled getting the news three weeks ago and said she cried for two days.

“I just felt that I did a job that I loved and I’m telling you, there’s nobody more supportive than the Velva people and I always have new ideas,” said Swedlund.

She’s previously been awarded Teacher of the Year and Librarian of the Year.

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