Highland Park Public Library’s Board of Trustees has always supported the Library by giving their time and lending their expertise. Now though, as the Library looks to the future with an expansion project, board members are supporting the Library philanthropically, too. Their donations to the Library’s Reimagine Your Library Capital Campaign, launched to help fund the expansion, are helping to build an expanded and reimagined Library.
All members of the Library’s board of trustees contributed to the capital campaign, rising to the occasion. Rob Olian, past president of the board of trustees, along with his wife Terri, kicked off the campaign with a gift of $100,000. In recognition of the Olians’ generosity, a new space will be named the Rob and Terri Olian Youth Activity Room.
Current board president Irene Hoffman, when contributing to the capital campaign noted, “I believe the Library is a place of magic. Where adventures and discoveries can begin and take flight. With my gift, I hope to create a safe space where dreams can flourish!” In recognition of Hoffman’s gift, the Overlook Nook, a seating area in the Youth Services Department with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ravine and Stupey Cabin, will be named for the Hoffman family.
Board member Ashley Lapin Olian explained that she and her husband Jared “were so excited to contribute to the capital campaign.” The Gallery, a new space within the Library that will display new books and materials along with art, will be named for the Olians. “There’s nothing more exciting than stepping through the door of the Library – either knowing what you’re there to do and having fun doing it; or not knowing and stepping into your next adventure. The Gallery is where that adventure begins and so it was the perfect place for us,” explained Lapin Olian.
Along with Olian, Hoffman, and Lapin Olian, members of the Library board of trustees include Rich Basofin, Rob Biederman, Rebecca Nathanson, Steve Schutt, Carol Wolfe, and Peter Zotos. Their contributions are helping to bring the vision of a reimagined Library to life. When complete, the project will add 7,800 square feet to the Library and include a state-of-the-art makerspace where all ages can design and create; an enhanced area for children to play and explore — with more space for books, too; an enlarged archive that preserves the city’s history, with a reading room accessible to the public; and increased capacity to connect and learn at Library programs in the new Alvin H. Baum Family Fund Community Meeting Room. A new ADA-compliant elevator and restrooms will be accessible for all.
It’s not just current board members who are stepping up to the plate, however. Former board members are investing in a reimagined Library as well. Chris Sheahen served on the Library’s board of trustees for many years including as president of the board for two terms. Said Chris, “Growing up in Highland Park, I was first introduced to the Library when my mother took me to the children’s room at a young age. Since then, the Library has remained an integral part of my life. We [Chris and Vicki Sheahen] are pleased to make a donation to name the play area in the Youth Discovery Room the Sheahen Family Playscape.”
Along with Chris Sheahen, past presidents of the board of trustees Kenneth Henry, Rhoda Pierce, and Gail Taxy supported the expansion with donations to the capital campaign. The Donna Fletcher Schur Trust contributed to the campaign in memory of former board member and past president Donna Fletcher. Barbara Mazur and current president of the Friends of the Highland Park Public Library Suzanne Zweig are also past board of trustee members who have supported the capital campaign. Support from current and former board members along with the generous donations from the Highland Park community are building a Library that will serve the community for generations to come.
From the weekly or multiple visits each week, to finding a book, reserving the meeting rooms to study or for a game of chess, to enjoying concerts, participating in lifelong learning at lectures, connecting with authors, or enhancing pre-reading skills at storytime sessions, the community turns to the Library. The Library opens doors to information, imagination, and connection. The new, expanded Library will do so too, with even more opportunities for the community to learn, connect, explore, and create.
