FERRIDAY — Marjorie Vogt is passionate about the success of the Concordia Parish Library system, but is hesitant to talk about her role in its progress.

As president of the library board, Vogt said board members and library staff are striving to get a library built in Clayton and finish the expansion under way at the Vidalia location.

“Then I think my goal at 86 years old should be to retire,” Vogt said, joking. “I love it so much that it is not really hard work for me.”

Seeing Vogt leave is not a thought Library Director Amanda Taylor wants to entertain anytime soon.

Taylor described Vogt, a board member for 22 years, as a dedicated and frequent visitor.

“She is willing to help with anything we need,” Taylor said. “She always brings cakes and little things that are morale boosters for the library. She is very giving of her time, so supportive.”

Construction work planned to expand the Vidalia library location, which should be open for bids by the beginning of February, includes enhanced space for technology and more room for reading.

The renovated first floor will be geared for people bringing in different types of devices, Taylor said, with a small area included for those working on group projects.

Vogt is also proud of past accomplishments.

With the help of the Ferriday Garden Club, Vogt has seen that flowers are planted in the big pots on the library porches.

“I want to make the library as beautiful as it can be, because I am so proud of the Ferriday library and the Vidalia library,” Vogt said. “Everyone should go by. If they don’t check out a book, at least take a look at them.”

Vogt’s passion for the library comes from her love of reading and her desire to create programs that benefit the community.

She is especially proud of programming that includes free weekend technology training, including the effort from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday led by Stephen Collins, providing instruction on the iPad. Call 318-757-3550 to register.

“I think the main thing (I’m proud of) is all the people that Amanda (Taylor) gets in for free concerts, to go into the schools and entertain them, all the computers we have gotten for the public to come in and use,” Vogt said. “I think that is the most wonderful thing in the world. Education is so important.”

Outside of her library and garden club contributions, Vogt is known for her baking.

“I bake cakes when Amanda (Taylor) needs them for special programs,” Vogt said. “At Christmas time, I bake cakes for the police department, fire department, street departments and city hall. Last Christmas, I think I baked 30 cakes.

“When I do something I like to give my all.”