Tribute to librarian who died of cancer

A Staffordshire librarian has died after a battle with cancer. Supervisor Jan Archibald died at Katharine House Hospice, Stafford, at the age of 56.

She died last Thursday. Mrs Archibald, who worked at Stafford and Eccleshall libraries and others in the county, lived with husband Lennie in Castle Street, Eccleshall.

Her funeral is at Holy Trinity Church, Eccleshall, at noon on Friday.

She started at Eccleshall library in 2006 after working at Stafford. She became ill with bowel cancer in 2005 and beat the disease only for it to return.

Mrs Archibald worked at libraries across the county.

Friend and colleague Jan Tomkinson, a supervisor at Eccleshall library, said she threw herself into every aspect of the library.

She brought new songs to Baby Bounce and Rhyme, took ancestry lessons, started a group called knit and natter, and involved staff in a 1940s nostalgia day with everyone dressing up.

Jan added: "She always looked immaculate with flowers in her hair and her make-up done.

"Even when she was very ill she would never be without her make-up on.

"She had a great sense of humour – just a lovely woman. Everywhere she went she left a lasting impression of someone who loved life and spread her infectious happiness, humour and kindness wherever she went.

"The staff at Eccleshall Library have benefited from her warm, caring nature."

Mrs Archibald was originally from Cheshire.