A $25,000 check in memory of Ruth C. Bolz was presented to the Friends of the Simsbury Public Library on September 25, 2009. This generous gift was given by Ruth’s daughter, Marge Taylor, to Friends of the Simsbury Public Library’s President, Monica Starrett, at a small ceremony in the library.

Ruth was an active woman who travelled the world with her husband. Here in Simsbury, she was a regular volunteer in the Library’s Homebound Program, and spent many summers sorting books for the Annual Book Sale.

“I watched my mother read all her life – in later years, she read three or four books a week,” says Marge Taylor. “Eventually, her eyes failed her, and that is why she asked that her gift be used for helping library patrons with reduced eyesight.” The donation will be used to expand the library’s collection of large print books, as well as the purchase of other materials to assist the visually impaired.

“This gift is a sizable amount for the Friends of the Simsbury Public Library and for our community; we will honor Ruth’ Bolz’s wishes in dispersing the funds,” notes Starrett. She encourages other Simsbury residents to consider memorial bequests to the Friends for specific purposes as Ruth did, or for general use.

Picture caption: Marge Taylor, daughter of the late Ruth C. Bolz, presents a $25,000 check to Monica Starrett, president of the Friends of the Simsbury Public Library. Looking on are Julie MacKay President-Elect of the Friends of the Simsbury Library, and Sue Bullock, Library Director.