Elevating Civic Engagement

Kay and Stanley Schlozman strengthen the Library’s role as a trusted beacon of learning that makes democracy possible.

At every stage of their lives, Boston residents Kay and Stanley Schlozman have relied on their public libraries to quench their thirst for knowledge. Stan grew up in Kansas City and credits his neighborhood library with, he says, “widening my horizons, sharpening my interests in a variety of unfamiliar subjects, and kindling an interest in national and international affairs.” Kay also has fond memories of her local library, in the suburbs of Chicago, and the significant role its beloved children’s librarian played in what she calls her “bookish childhood.” While the couple were raising their son and daughter, the Brookline Public Library became an important part of their lives.

In 2019, Kay and Stan reflected on the influence of public libraries on society and were

Shared by Many

inspired to invest in the Boston Public Library Fund. Their generous support is driven by their belief that the Boston Public Library is essential to the city, and that it’s more indispensable to a democratic society than ever before. “Libraries are a critical part of the civic infrastructure of any American community, an observation that’s particularly relevant in an information age,” says Kay.

“When I visit the Central Library, it’s just amazing to see the space full of patrons using the technology, availing themselves of vital resources, and advancing their education,” Stan says. “Our gift is an expression of support for the Library’s no-cost services, programs, and collections, all crucial for America’s place in the world.”

Kay has fond memories of checking out books from her local library and climbing a tree to read them.

“The Library is a place shared by many, many Bostonians, regardless of age or background, that provides services and resources without cost — most importantly to those who might not otherwise have access to them,” say patrons Kay and Stanley Schlozman. “We have come to recognize the wisdom of what we learned in kindergarten. The librarian is your friend. It is as if the library has an invisible sign posted out front asking, ‘How can we help you?’”

Kay and Stan are members of Patrons of the Courtyard, the Fund’s leadership annual giving society, which helps ensure that library staff can deliver core services while adapting to diverse patron needs. Support from Patrons of the Courtyard enables the Library to:

• Develop resources to link visitors with workforce services

• Expand English for Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) programming

• Provide Home Connectivity Kits, a laptop and hot spot, to patrons with limited Internet access

To learn more about Patrons of the Courtyard, please visit bplfund.org/patrons