FOR EVERY CHAPTER OF LIFE
In the pages ahead, discover how philanthropy fuels the Boston Public Library’s work in every neighborhood — and for every generation. Through community partnerships and programs that reach patrons of all ages, your support is shaping a more connected, creative, and equitable Boston.
Patrons of all ages gather at the Hyde Park Branch.
This past year, your generous support strengthened the Boston Public Library’s role as an essential resource for patrons at every stage of life, delivering innovative, hyper-local programs across Boston’s neighborhoods. As you’ll read in the pages ahead, philanthropy expands the Library’s capacity to serve all ages and interests — from LEGO activities that nurture learning through play to programming that helps older adults age in place.
Mireille, a recent immigrant, found more than English classes when she discovered the Library online. “I saw they also had help for jobs,” she told us. “It felt like I could go to one place and know what to do next.” With guidance from Library staff, Mireille built a new résumé, practiced for interviews, and found her first job in Boston. Thanks to your generosity, that sense of possibility and trust is exactly what the Library offers. You’ll find Mireille’s full story on page 10.
In addition to supporting vital services today, your philanthropy is helping shape the Library’s future, including the ambitious
planning now under way to revitalize the Central Library’s iconic McKim Building. Learn more about this new project on page 8.
At a time when safe and welcoming spaces matter more than ever, thank you for empowering patrons to discover, create, and connect at every chapter of life.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey B. Hawkins, Board Chair
Boston Public Library Fund
Paula S. Sakey, Executive
Boston Public Library Fund
Director
As I look back over the past year, amidst the many challenges, I’m ever more grateful for the strong community of supporters who continue to make the Boston Public Library’s (BPL) work possible. Thank you for believing in the essential role the Library plays in the civic and cultural life of our city and of our nation. Together, we’re rising once again to meet the needs and opportunities of our time.
Ratified in December 2024, our bold new Strategic Plan is already guiding how we serve Boston’s neighborhoods and communities across Massachusetts. In the stories that follow, you’ll see that the four strategic roles — Lifelong Learning & Research Partner, Welcoming Destination, Community Engager, and Trusted Resource — are coming to life through our partnership with the Boston Public Library Fund.
You’ll read about expanded programming for children and teens, support for English-language learners pursuing their
Cover Photo: The Central Library’s McKim building draws more than one million visitors each year — yet much of its potential remains untapped. Support from the community will be essential to realizing its future. Learn more on page 8.
dreams, and branches serving as welcoming, communitycentered spaces for patrons of all ages. You’ll also learn how we’ve begun laying the groundwork for a once-in-a-generation renovation and transformation of the historic McKim Building. This progress is possible only because you choose to invest in your Library, through the Fund’s pillars of activating democracy, unlocking opportunity, and sharing treasures.
Thank you for helping us deepen the Library’s service to the city, the Commonwealth, and beyond. Your support ensures that the BPL remains free to all and a vital institution for generations to come.
With deepest gratitude,
David Leonard President, Boston Public Library
IMPACT IN ACTION
FISCAL YEAR 2025
In Fiscal Year 2025, donors to the Boston Public Library Fund supported programs and services that unlocked opportunity, activated democracy, and shared the Library’s treasures.
Stories That Speak Volumes
The Community History Department, funded through a generous grant from Bank of America, offered more programs last year than ever before, hosting 45 workshops and events that drew more than 800 attendees. Opportunities such as memoir writing classes, oral history trainings, archival research support, and art workshops empowered patrons to preserve and share their personal and neighborhood histories.
Library Lion Roared to Life
A preview of how the renovated McKim Building could host immersive, community-centered programming took place last fall, when the space transformed for the musical adaptation of the beloved children’s book Library Lion. Supported by the Boston Public Library Fund, the Adam Theater led 1,000 Greater Boston schoolchildren on a performance that wound its way through the historic building. The production filled the Boylston Room with music and laughter, showcasing the incredible potential of these spaces when activated for the community.
All Ages, All In for Summer Reading
Thanks to generous community support, with gifts matched dollar for dollar by The Crimson Lion / Lavine Family Foundation, thousands of patrons of all ages enjoyed meaningful reading adventures all summer long.
• More than 6,000 children and teens joined such activities as Professor Bugman’s Entomology Adventures, bilingual story times, puppet workshops, and hands-on STEM events at all branches. Research shows that students lose 20–30 percent of their annual reading gains during summer vacation, making youth literacy programming a critical need.
• Some 5,000 adults participated in the summer reading bingo challenge, earning a custom tote and a sticker, which were available at every branch.
• The BPLF’s new crowdfunding initiative — a Readathon — invited patrons of all ages to track their progress and encouraged others to support summer reading at the BPL.
Patrons of the Courtyard Membership Growing Stronger
Patrons of the Courtyard, BPLF’s leadership giving society, continued to gain momentum. Over the past year, a record 158 donors raised more than $1.3 million — almost $300,000 more than in the previous year. This support highlights the vital role public libraries play in today’s world. In the five years since its launch, members have contributed $6.2 million in unrestricted funds, helping the BPL stay flexible, innovative, and responsive to the needs of the community.
A Big Year for Big Ideas at the Branches
The BPLF’s second annual Branching Out: Creative Catalyst Mini-Grant Program supported community-focused events at all 25 neighborhood branches. The funding enabled each location to host activities tailored to their patrons’ interests. The program highlighted how local ideas can bring neighbors together and examples included a multigenerational culinary series, ukulele classes, and a stained glass workshop.
Revolutionary Voices Took the Stage
With Revolutionary Art: Art and Social Change as the Library’s annual theme, powerful conversations unfolded across the Central Library, neighborhood branches, and online thanks to generous grant support through the BPLF. Authors, artists, and thought leaders challenged convention and inspired action, reinforcing the Library’s role as a platform for bold ideas and civic engagement.
Cooking It Up with Our New Chef-in-Residence
With support from the PDB Foundation, the Roxbury Branch’s Nutrition Lab welcomed its second Chef-in-Residence, Kayla Tabb. A recipe developer, pastry chef, educator, and researcher, Kayla empowers patrons of all ages to explore cooking techniques, cultural heritage, and nutrition through hands-on classes and demonstrations. Her recent workshops have featured making everything from dill pickles and salsa to Caribbean hand pies.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Library, Today
Eight new members were welcomed into the 1848 Society, a community of visionary donors who have chosen to include the BPLF in their estate plans. Together, their generous bequest expectancies total more than $2 million, promising a lasting impact that will enrich the Library for generations to come. These future gifts will support acquisitions for Special Collections, expand branch programs, enhance LGBTQ+ resources, strengthen workforce initiatives, and provide unrestricted support for the Library.
Entrepreneurial Energy in Year Three
Thanks to grant support, the Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program continued to thrive as a cornerstone of the Library’s workforce-development strategy in the Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center. The third EIR offered free, expert guidance to aspiring business owners — helping patrons navigate business planning, marketing, and funding opportunities. Through his mentorship, entrepreneurs across Boston gained the tools, insights, and confidence to bring their ideas to life.
Oh, What a Night (in the Stacks)!
The Emerging Leaders, the next generation of BPL supporters, exceeded their ambitious goals for Night in the Stacks, selling 600 tickets and raising a record-breaking $260,000. The October 25 celebration, themed Forbidden Fictions, honored the freedom to read and highlighted the BPL’s national leadership through its Books Unbanned initiative. The enthusiasm surrounding the event underscored how passionately young Bostonians support intellectual freedom and the vital role of the Library. Mark your calendar for October 31 for Night in the Stacks 2025!
Bridging the Digital Divide Across Boston
With a grant through the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, the Library expanded its popular Connectivity Kit program. The kits, which include a 14-inch Chromebook with a built-in hotspot, were lent out for 728 three-week periods and reached residents across all Boston neighborhoods. Whether to complete a job application, attend an online class, manage telehealth appointments, or simply stay connected to the wider world, the lending of Connectivity Kits unlocked countless opportunities for patrons.
National Library Week Set Fundraising Record
This year’s National Library Week raised over $111,000, a record amount thanks to the generosity of 957 donors. The campaign was energized by a collaboration with cartoonist and Boston native Scott McCloud, one of the American Library Association’s 2025 National Library Week Honorary Cochairs, who helped amplify the vital role libraries play. Support from this initiative will fund essential services and programs at locations across the city.
This is just the beginning of what philanthropy helped accomplish at the Boston Public Library last year.
Explore the pages ahead to discover more stories of how generous support made a difference for patrons of all ages.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Boston Public Library Fund received gifts and contributions from 4,080 donors totaling $12,799,058, including $2,059,871 from supporters who named the Fund in their estate plans, providing the largest amount of funding to the Library since the Fund’s relaunch in 2019.
The Boston Public Library Fund has been awarded the Candid (GuideStar) Gold Seal of Transparency, underscoring our unwavering commitment to financial accountability and transparency. Our FY25 audited financial statement will be complete by September 23, 2025 and uploaded for review at bplfund.org/about.
A COMMUNITY’S TRIBUTE
The Barbara Rhodes Endowment Fund will support children’s programming at the Jamaica Plain Branch.
When beloved Children’s Librarian Barbara Rhodes passed away in May of 2024, the Jamaica Plain community came together to honor her legacy. “We wanted to celebrate her ability to create community wherever she went, and so we decided to raise funds for an endowment that will permanently support creative programming for children at the Jamaica Plain Branch of the Boston Public Library,” said her friend Mindy Fried.
Barbara’s friends, family, colleagues, and patrons quickly rallied around the effort — hosting Zoom meetings, organizing events, creating online fundraising pages, mobilizing support through local networks, and sharing stories of how Barbara’s work had touched their lives. In just four months, the $50,000 fundraising goal was met, and the Barbara Rhodes Endowment Fund was established through the Boston Public Library Fund.
“We received donations from nearly 200 people, with gifts ranging from $15 to $5,000,” said her friend Nina Berger. “It’s a powerful testament to her dedication and love for her community.”
Known for her love of reading, innovative spirit, and commitment to inclusivity, Barbara was a children’s librarian for more than 40 years and worked at the Jamaica Plain Branch
for over three decades. Mary Collins, a frequent patron said, “Her love of books and ideas impacted so many of our kids, mine included.”
In addition to the fundraising effort, the Friends of the Jamaica Plain Branch spearheaded an initiative to name the children’s room in Barbara’s honor. The dedication of the Barbara Rhodes Children’s Room was celebrated this May.
“The outpouring of support for Barbara broadened our sense of community and helped ease the grieving process,” said Mindy. “The sadness remains, but it gives me solace knowing that Barbara’s spirit will live on for generations to come.”
“The collective effort to honor Barbara’s legacy is a beautiful example of how much a librarian — and a library — can mean to a neighborhood.”
~ Paula Sakey, Executive Director of the Boston Public Library Fund
Patrons of the Jamaica Plain Branch celebrated the legacy of Barbara Rhodes in May. Photo courtesy of the Boston Mayor’s Office.
Felicity and Henry
NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LEGO GROUP
A citywide initiative leverages play-based learning to tackle early literacy challenges and foster civic engagement among Boston’s children.
The Boston Public Library (BPL) and the LEGO Group have launched a new two-year partnership setting in motion a citywide initiative to unlock the potential of Boston’s youth through joyful, hands-on learning.
Funded through a $1 million grant from the company’s LEGO Community Fund U.S. to the Boston Public Library Fund, this flagship collaboration will deliver interactive programs to more than 150,000 children ages 0–13 and their caregivers across Boston’s neighborhoods and is projected to generate over 21,000 new library card signups and more than 600,000 early literacy book checkouts.
“This wide-ranging investment from LEGO Group’s LEGO Community Fund U.S. allows us to meet children and families where they are, with inclusive programs that make learning joyful,” said Angela Veizaga, Chief of Youth and Family Engagement at the Boston Public Library. “By embedding learning through play into everything we do — from early literacy
to tween engagement — we’re equipping Boston’s young people with the tools to grow as readers, creators, and active members of their communities.”
“Both my children, Henry (age 9) and Felicity (age 6), love walking to our local branch to play and check out books from the children’s room. It’s so exciting for them to see first-hand two iconic institutions, LEGO and the BPL, working together for the kids in their community!”
~ Blair Hammond, West Roxbury
Hammond stopped by the Central Library for a workshop with LEGO Group team members on May 12.
Returning the “PEOPLE’S PALACE” to the PEOPLE
The journey to reimagine the Central Library’s iconic McKim building is officially underway.
The Boston Public Library (BPL) has launched a comprehensive, five-year planning process for the renovation of the Central Library’s historic McKim building. The process, funded by a transformational $5.5 million gift made by an anonymous donor through the Boston Public Library Fund (BPLF), will bring renovation plans to a design-ready phase and lay the foundation for a reimagined Central Library complex that will serve the needs of patrons from Boston and beyond. As planning progresses, the BPLF will invite supporters at every level to help realize this once-in-a-generation transformation.
“To have a philanthropic partner join us at the planning stage is a powerful show of support, which underscores the magnitude of this once-in-a-generation effort,” said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library. “Alongside a capital investment from the Mayor of Boston, this foundational commitment enables the Boston Public Library to enlist the crucial support of many others. Together, we’ll begin to chart a clear path forward — one that balances an updated vision
for the patron experience with the thoughtfulness needed to reactivate these historic spaces.”
At the cornerstone-laying ceremony of the McKim building in 1888, Oliver Wendell Holmes famously proclaimed, “This palace is the people’s own!” Today, this National Historic Landmark welcomes more than one million visitors each year — yet much of its potential remains untapped. Due to its accessibility challenges and areas of disrepair, nearly 40 percent of the building is currently closed to the public. What were once inspiring halls and grand reading rooms have deteriorated over time, underscoring the urgent need for restoration and renewal.
BPL leadership and staff are already envisioning what the McKim building could become: a beautifully restored landmark that honors its historic grandeur while once again fulfilling its promise as a fully activated, vibrant hub of learning, creativity, and connection. As the vision takes shape, the Boston Public Library Fund will launch a campaign to raise private philanthropic support, complementing public investment
and ensuring the full potential of the McKim renovation can be achieved.
“What does a 21st-century library look like in a 19th-century building? That’s the question guiding this entire effort,” said Michael Colford, the BPL’s Director of Library Services. “We’re listening closely to our patrons to understand what they need: welcoming and inclusive spaces, vital services, and greater access to the BPL’s extraordinary collections. This grant gives us the opportunity to study how people use the library and to ensure that the new McKim reflects and supports the communities we serve.”
For Beth Prindle, the BPL’s Director of Research & Special Collections, the planning process is an exciting opportunity to unlock McKim’s potential and to ensure its history and beauty are fully accessible. “What makes McKim unique isn’t just the significance of the architecture and art; it’s the principle that this space belongs to everyone,” she said. “Now, we’ll begin the work to ensure this beloved landmark is a welcoming destination for all — returning the ‘People’s Palace’ to the people!”
The five-year planning effort focuses on four areas:
• Strategic Services Planning will develop a comprehensive strategy to guide how programming, services, collections, and space should be allocated between the McKim building and the Boylston Street building.
• Design and Preservation Work will build on the BPL’s 2021 McKim Master Plan and prepare for construction implications, preservation considerations, and operations requirements.
• Project Management Staffing Capacity, both the BPL’s team and outside advisors, will be augmented to oversee the project and prepare for the long-term building management.
• Campaign Planning and Communications will lay the essential groundwork for a major fundraising campaign to support the full renovation — an effort that will unite public, private, and philanthropic partners in bringing this vision to life.
Bringing Spaces & Collections to Life
Imagine a theatre production in Bates Hall, music performances echoing through the grand staircase, or themed experiences inspired by the Library’s archives. Through Special Connections — a $5 million fundraising effort — the Boston Public Library Fund will expand access to these trea sures and make experiences like these possible.
To learn more and join this exciting effort, contact Paula Sakey, at psakey@bplfund.org or 617.859.2029.
The musical production of Library Lion was a preview of how the McKim building could be used.
The Jordan Room in the McKim building.
THE LIBRARY HAD THE ANSWERS
How one mother built a new life in Boston — with help from the BPL.
When Mireille arrived in Boston, she knew she needed to improve her English and find a job — at the same time. Originally from Cameroon, she moved to Massachusetts in 2024, determined to build a better life for her young daughter.
An online search led her to the Boston Public Library. “I saw the English classes,” she said. “I saw they also had help for jobs. It felt like I could go to one place and know what to do next.”
Within her first month in Boston, Mireille connected with Lauren Butler, a career counselor at the Library. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, Lauren quickly began helping Mireille navigate her next steps.
Although Mireille had a college degree in hospitality and years of work experience, the U.S. job market felt overwhelming. “In Cameroon, we don’t say ‘Tell me about yourself’ or ‘Why should I hire you?’ in interviews,” Mireille explained. “Your CV tells what you’ve done. These questions were all new to me.”
BPL’s ESOL Workforce Initiative
Boosted by National Carnegie Grant
Thanks to a prestigious $500,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Boston Public Library (BPL) will expand its English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Workforce initiative to help meet the demand for programs that connect English-language learning with career support.
Lauren helped revise Mireille’s résumé, prepared her for interviews, and offered honest advice tailored to her life as a mom. But most importantly, she listened.
“At the BPL, we take a case-management approach,” said Lauren. “We meet each patron where they are, whether that’s learning English, building a résumé, or navigating the job market for the first time. It’s not one-size-fits-all. Our goal is to help every job-seeker find a meaningful path forward.”
That individualized support proved essential. When Mireille missed a job fair because her daughter was sick, Lauren stepped in — hand-delivering her résumé to the Café Nero hiring manager. Mireille got the job, with the daytime hours she needed to care for her daughter.
Today, Mireille is feeling more settled in her new city. “It’s hard to start over, but my daughter focused me,” she said. “I want her to know that we will figure it out. I want to have answers for her.
The Library had the answers.”
The award places the BPL among a select group of libraries nationally recognized for this model approach.
With Carnegie’s support, the BPL will hire a Bilingual Workforce Skills Specialist, expand career counseling tailored to English learners, and deepen partnerships with unions, employers, and training providers to offer wraparound services at the Central Library and across all 25 branches.
BPL Career Counselor Lauren Butler (left) with patron Mireille.
A LEGACY OF COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION
New endowed fund provides programming support for older adults at the North End Branch.
Marcia Head was a fixture in the North End. The retired Boston Public School teacher walked everywhere, embracing everything that city life had to offer, with the Boston Public Library’s North End Branch at the heart of her daily routine.
She stopped in every day to read the newspaper, never missed a Friday afternoon movie, and attended lectures, author talks, and concerts. As she aged, the Branch became even more essential — a space that kept her connected, supported, and surrounded by familiar faces. Marcia passed away last October, leaving behind a legacy of community and connection.
Her experience of aging in her neighborhood was not unique and reflects a growing trend across Boston. According to 2024 Census data, residents age 65 and older make up 12.7 percent of the city’s population, and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative projects that Boston’s population aged 70 and older is expected to grow at a faster rate through 2030.
Isabella De Gregorio, the Boston Public Library’s Age Strong Librarian, says the branches are seeing this growth firsthand and are committed to offering resources for all ages. “The programs we offer older adults at Central and our 25 neighborhood branches create opportunities for patrons to be active and engaged in their community, support life-long learning, and help to enrich people’s daily lives,” she said “I’ve seen many patrons build meaningful connections and absolutely flourish during activities such as book discussions and trivia.”
To honor Marcia’s memory and ensure that more older adults in the North End can experience the same sense of connection, her son, David Head, and his wife, Brooke Schooley, recently established The Marcia Head Fund for North End Programming. This endowed fund will provide enriching programs for seniors — movie screenings, author talks, exercise classes, and more for generations to come.
Catherine Halpin, the North End Branch Librarian, knew Marcia well and is deeply grateful for the additional support. “The North End Branch Library is cherished by the people who live here,” she said. “With this funding, we can create robust program offerings, designed with and for the residents of the North End to help support their goals for learning, connection, and community.”
“Establishing this endowment is a special tribute to my mom,” David shared. “I know she would think this was a worthwhile way to give back to the place that gave her so much.”
“With this funding, we can create robust program offerings, designed with and for the residents of the North End to help support their goals for learning, connection, and community.”
~
Catherine Halpin, North End Branch Librarian
North End patrons come together on Friday afternoons to discuss and watch a film together.
THANK YOU to our SUPPORTERS
The following foundations, corporations, and individuals made gifts and commitments to the Boston Public Library Fund between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.
LIFETIME DONORS OF $1 MILLION OR MORE
Anonymous
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Estate of Howard Cooper
The Highland Street Foundation
LEGO Community Fund U.S.
Sherry and Alan Leventhal
The Lowell Institute
Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund
Margret and H. A. Rey~
Estate of Peter Sheldon
State Street Foundation
INSTITUTIONAL DONORS
DONORS OF
$100,000 TO $999,999
Anonymous^ (2)
The 1156 Foundation^*
Bank of America Charitable Foundation^*
Carnegie Corporation of New York^
The Highland Street Foundation^*
Karuna Therapeutics^
The Crimson Lion / Lavine Family Foundation
LEGO Community Fund U.S.^
PDB Foundation^
DONORS OF
$50,000 TO $99,999
Bain Capital Children’s Charity, Ltd.^
The CNR Foundation^*
Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation^
Liberty Mutual Foundation^*
Eric & Jane Nord Family Fund^*
PNC Foundation^
NAMED ENDOWED FUNDS
Endowed fund donors provide a lasting gift with both immediate and longterm benefits to the Boston Public Library Fund. Gifts are maintained in perpetuity and are a powerful permanent legacy of financial support.
Dorothy F. Alker Trust Fund for the Uphams Corner Branch
Louise H. Allen Fund
Boston Public Library Fund Endowment
Howard Cooper LGBTQ+ Endowment Fund
Fidelity Endowment Fund
Marcia Head Fund for North End Programming
Trefler Foundation^
DONORS OF
$25,000 TO $49,999
The Catered Affair*
Richard K. Lubin Family Foundation*
Massachusetts Education and Career Opportunities, Inc^
MFS Investment Management^*
Saquish Foundation^*
State Street Foundation*
Verizon Foundation^
DONORS OF $10,000 TO $24,999
Argosy Foundation*
The Berman Family Foundation
Boston Bruins Foundation*
The Charlesview Foundation*
Ernst & Young*
Garden Homes Fund
Granite Telecommunications, LLC^
Moors & Cabot Investments
Maxine Myers Foundation*
Lynch Foundation Endowment Fund
Diane Martel Fund for Children’s Programs
Leonard and Barbara McCue Fund
Barbara Rhodes Endowment Fund
William O. Taylor Fund
Dr. Nellie Walent Wilson Fund
National Grid Foundation^*
The William and Lia G. Poorvu Family Foundation*
Thompson Family Foundation
Tiny Tiger Foundation^*
TJX Foundation^*
The Robert Cushman Woods Van Nostrand Fund^
Westra Family Charitable Trust*
DONORS OF
$5,000 TO $9,999
Congress Wealth John W. Alden Trust^
The Brennan and Cianciolo Family Fund^*
Community Counselling Service Co., LLC
Elkus Manfredi Architects
Fan Family Foundation^*
Goldman Sachs & Co.*
The Learning Project Elementary School^
Loomis, Sayles & Co.
The Menemsha Family Fund*
The Ohrn Family Foundation
The Martin Richard Foundation
Ropes & Gray LLP*
Saul Ewing LLP
DONORS OF $1,000 TO $4,999
Anonymous^
John D. Brubaker Foundation
Celebrity Series of Boston^
The Druker Company, Ltd.
Eastern Bank Foundation
Fife Family Foundation^*
Foley & Lardner LLP
hoopla Digital
Lavelle4 Foundation
Library Initiative for Teens and Tweens^
National Grid*
Pathlight Capital LP
William Rawn Associates, Architects, Inc.
Harold L. Wyman Foundation Inc.*
PATRONS OF THE COURTYARD
Patrons of the Courtyard recognizes annual leadership donors who are committed to ensuring the Library remains viable, engaging, accessible, and free to all
FOUNTAIN CIRCLE
DONORS OF
$100,000 OR MORE
Anonymous* (2)
Jane Brock-Wilson^*
John and Maureen Hailer^*
The Crimson Lion / Lavine Family Foundation
Amelia L. McCarthy and Drew Carlson^*
Brooke Schooley and David Head^
DONORS OF
$50,000 TO $99,999
Anonymous* (2)
Jeffrey and Christa Hawkins*
Kimberley Beaudet^*
Barbara and Amos Hostetter*
Estate of Peter Sheldon
DONORS OF $25,000 TO $49,999
Linda and Daniel Cummings
Matina S. Horner*
Derrick Johns
Nancy and Richard K. Lubin*
Louis D. and Cheryl Maiuri*
Megan and Alex Marconi*
Susan Moser and Thomas Evans*
Pamela J. Newport
Edgard Quinones and Andrew Marconi*
Holly Safford and Chuck Weilbrenner*
PATRON
DONORS OF $10,000 TO $24,999
Anonymous (3)
John Abele*
FOR HER FAMILY AND FOR BOSTON
When Norin Razzaque began raising a family in Boston, the Boston Public Library quickly became part of the routine.
Now a mother of 11-year-old twins, she remembers taking them to the South End Branch before they could walk, making the Library a fixture in their earliest days. “I wanted them to know that a library is always there for them — a safe space, a refuge, and a place they can turn to for help.”
As the twins grew, so did their library experiences. They now frequent the Central Library in Copley Square, a favorite destination since the Children’s Library was updated in 2016. “They feel free to interact, relax, and explore there,” Norin says.
Inspired by everything the Library offers, Norin has supported the Boston Public Library Fund since 2020 and is a member of Patrons of the Courtyard, the Fund’s leadership annual giving society. “With all our visits, I’ve seen how the Library shows up for everyone,” she says. “The services for immigrants, the social work support, these are things you wouldn’t expect from a library, and yet the BPL is really stepping up for the community.”
Amy and David C. Abrams
Hanna H. Bartlett*
Anita and Josh Bekenstein*
Joe S. Berman and Sharon Cantor
Peter Cahn and Donald Hess*
Barry Canton and Reshma Shetty
Carolyn O. Carlson*
Leslie and Peter L. Ciampi^*
Julie and Ronald M. Druker^
Grace and Ted Fey*
Jane Freedman and Mark Iafrati
Frances S. and Michael J. Goldberg*
Ida and Palmer Hale
Michael and Martha Keating*
Sandra L. and Mark Kryder
J. Dayne Lamb and Gardner N. Stratton*
Maura McCarthy and
William M. Haney
Barbara and Leonard McCue^*
Nancy L. and Mark D. Myers*
Duy Nguyen
Ruth Perry*
Lia and William Poorvu*
Katherine and Daniel Relihan
Benjamin Schiffer
Lucy Scott
The Shemin Family
Joseph F. Szymanski
Sheila Thorne
Chin Meng Tsui
Anne Louise C. Van Nostrand^
Christian and Sophie Westra*
Adrienne Zak Hunt*
DONORS OF $5,000 TO $9,999
Anonymous (8)
Nancy S. Adams and John A. Burgess*
Through her generosity, Norin is helping to sustain a vital community resource for her family and for her fellow Boston residents. “I feel so lucky to live in walking distance to the Central Library and with that comes a sense of ownership. That’s why I give to the BPL every year: I want to help take care of it.”
Norin Razzaque, pictured here with her two children at the Central Library, is a member of Patrons of the Courtyard.
Carlotte N. Berk*
Martha Berman Lipp
Kathleen Brennan and Gerald Cianciolo^*
Marianne M. Callahan*
Carl Carbonell
Venkata Chitturi
Laura Clifford and Robert O’Haver*
Mack L. Davidson III*
Darlene Donovan and Donal E. Reilly
Stephanie and John Fan^*
Hannah and Jack Grove*
Terence M. Janericco*
Elizabeth L. Johnson*
Mimi and Paul La Camera*
Justine and James Laugharn*
Leo Liu and Pendred Noyce*
Martha Maguire and Oleg Simanovsky*
Mary R. McDonough*
Sandy Moose
Jane R. and William S. Mosakowski*
The O’Hanley Family*
John Preotle
Susan D. Prindle^*
Norin and Fahim Razzaque*
Dorothy and John J. Remondi*
Sally Reyering and Chris Baldwin
Louise C. Riemer^
Edward B. Rist
Kay L. and Stanley F. Schlozman*
Hal Tepfer
Joan Thompson
Phyllis Vogel*
DONORS OF $2,500 TO $4,999
Anonymous (3)
Jenna and Aaron Bates
Alexandra Bowers and James C. Liu*
Lynne Brainerd and Michael Douvadjian*
Catharine J. and John J. Brennan*
Lewis and Rinda Burleigh*
Danielle Chow and Benjamin T. Harris*
Cynthia E. Clark*
Roberta L. Cohn*
Debka Colson^
Heather and Al Cousson*
Kymm Coveney*
Mary E. Curtis
Jennifer Cusack
Claudia Davidoff and Joseph Kahan*
Elsbeth Dijxhoorn
Dawn E. and Mark E. Donovan
Susan and Bill Elsbree^
Marilyn Fife Cragin and John Cragin^*
Christine Fuchs*
Jean Gibran*
Anne Giudice
Ileen Gladstone*
Wendy B. Hamilton*
Dean Hanley*
Lisa and Les Kernan*
Drs. Maydee G. and Nelson P. Lande*
Nancy G. and Kenneth A. Leeser*
Merranda Logan, M.D.
Mike Masterson
Elizabeth C. and Keith Morgan
Anella T. Nies*
Susan M. O’Connor*
“BOOKS
TOOK ME EVERYWHERE!”
For Dr. Priscilla Douglas, the library isn’t just a building, it’s a lifelong companion. Raised in Bedford, MA, she visited the local library weekly with her mother and fondly recalls special outings to the Central Library in Copley Square with her aunt and cousin. “James Baldwin once said he read his way out of Harlem and I know exactly what he meant,” she says. “Books took me everywhere.”
As a former Chair of the Boston Public Library’s Board of Trustees, Priscilla’s relationship with the Library is deep and enduring. She has visited all 25 neighborhood branches and the Roxbury Branch holds professional significance as well: her first major job helping adults earn their GED at the Urban League was located just across the street. “The Branch was a vital resource for my students, offering them access, dignity, and the tools to shape their own futures.”
Priscilla has also made the Library a part of her future by including the Boston Public Library Fund in her will. “I’ve spent my life trying to make a difference,” she says. “This legacy gift ensures that impact continues. By including the BPL in my will,
Jennifer M. and Victor Paci*
Mary and Theodore Papastavros*
Diana and Matthew Peck
Valerie K. and Larry M. Post*
Sue and Bernie Pucker*
Philip W. Rosenkranz*
Karen A. Vagts*
Kate Walsh and Erik Garpestad*
Meghan Weeks
Dyann and Peter K. Wirth*
I’m investing in equity, access, education, and civic engagement for generations to come. It’s my way of staying a devoted patron, even from the great beyond.”
~ Deceased
^ Restricted Gift
* Three or more years consecutive giving
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. We apologize for any errors or omissions. Please report any corrections to info@bplfund.org
For a complete list of donors, please visit bplfund.org/donors
Priscilla Douglas is a member of the 1848 Society.
From the murals in the Abbey Room and the Leventhal Map & Education Center to the vibrant branch network across Boston, Priscilla sees the Library as a living, breathing civic institution. “I’ve always said the health of the Library is measured by its capacity to welcome and collaborate. The BPL thrives because people care. And it endures because people show up.”
Her advice to others who are considering naming the Library in their estate? “Do it. It’s one of the most powerful and joyful ways to give back. You’re not just leaving money, you’re leaving a message. A message that libraries matter. And that they will always play a vital role in the advancement of learning.”
1848 SOCIETY
The following donors are members of the 1848 Society, which recognizes and honors individuals who have included the Boston Public Library Fund in their long-term financial and estate plans through a charitable bequest, beneficiary designation or gifts through retirement accounts, and other legacy gifts.
Anonymous (11)
Nancy S. Adams and John A. Burgess
Hanna H. Bartlett
Kristine P. Browne
Kathleen Casey-Bianchi and Lorrey Bianchi
Irene Christopher~
Leslie and Peter L. Ciampi
Howard Cooper~
Steve L. Csipke
Mary E. Curtis
Angel Manuel Dejesus
Priscilla H. Douglas
Esther M. Engelman~
Albert Engleman~
Peter G. Fallon, Jr.~
Robert P. Fichter~
Gail Fenske and Don Cecich
Anne Giudice
Janet E. Goff~
Frances S. and Michael J. Goldberg
Arlene Hines~
Terence M. Janericco
Marlene Kaplan
Melvin Klayman~
BOARD of DIRECTORS
Jeffrey B. Hawkins, Chair
Hannah Grove, Vice-Chair & Chair, Nominating and Governance
Louis Maiuri, Treasurer & Chair, Finance and Investment
Taylor Brennan, President, Emerging Leaders
Cliff Cammock, Chair, Audit Committee
Barry Canton
Cynthia Clark
J. Dayne Lamb and Gardner N. Stratton
Edward J. LeMay
Adam M. Lutynski
Martha Maguire and Oleg Simanovsky
Teresa F. Mazzulli~
Barbara and Leonard McCue
Kathleen McDermott and Bill Nigreen
Mary R. McDonough
William J. McLaughlin
Kathleen M. Miskiewicz
Katharine Nash~
Derrick Johns Michael Keating
David Leonard, President, Boston Public Library
Leo Liu
FOUNDING DIRECTORS Emeritus
Lewis Burleigh
Paula Sakey, Executive Director
Sarah Dow, Director of Advancement Services
Carol Estes-Schwartz, Director of Philanthropy and Legacy Giving
Lisa Kernan, Director of Individual Giving
Grace Fey
Kyle Lindsay, Assistant Director of Advancement Services
Porscha Maurer-Cordova, Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Katie Miller, Director of Communications and Donor Relations
IMPACT REPORT Contributors
Katie Miller
Marva Nathan
Mary K. O’Connor
Mary and Theodore Papastavros
Ruth Perry
Arlene B. Pikin
Harriet E. Polner
Sally Portle
Susan D. Prindle
Sue and Bernie Pucker
Edward B. Rist
Peter Sheldon~
Julie M. Wood
Raymond Liu, Chair, Boston Public Library Board of Trustees
Merranda Logan
Amelia McCarthy
Adrienne Zak Hunt
Liz Swanson, Assistant Director of Communications and Special Projects
Benjamin Wind, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
700
bplfund.org
OctOber 2025 – April 2026 centrAl librAry in cOpley SquAre
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Boston Public Library presents a bold new exhibition, revOlutiOn! 250 yeArS Of Art + ActiviSm in bOStOn, which explores the evolving spirit of political and social activism through items from its vast art collections.
The exhibition pairs historical works with contemporary art — inviting audiences to reflect on how Boston’s revolutionary legacy continues to shape movements today.