Giving Back to the Community They Love

Having lived in Shrewsbury for over 25 years, Kathi Colman and her husband Jim recently found the perfect way to express appreciation and support for the community so dear to them—a significant donation to the library that has served their family in a variety of ways.

“We have been long-time library users, and when we heard the library was going to undergo a capital campaign…it was a good opportunity to give back to the community that has been good to us,” she said.

All grown up and living out of state, her sons Jim and Chris still hold fast to fond memories of their childhood library.

“It was nice to have them go to a calm, safe place,” their mother said. The center of town location was especially convenient to Colman because her boys could easily walk there from school or sports practices. “I always felt as if Shrewsbury had a nice welcoming library…” where children could get help with homework, work on projects or meet friends. 

Library usage has changed over the decades and Colman emphatically endorses the need for a modern public library. Some vital enhancements include immense buying power and shared materials, availability of local library access from remote locations and innovative programs in the form of workshops and lectures.

“In the last 10 years, the use has doubled, yet the number of hours the library is open has decreased 15 percent,” she said. In support of the renovation project, she added, “I just want to see a nice facility and one that serves the community well.”

Colman continues to visit the library three to four times a week for both business as an active volunteer and for personal use. With its plentiful selection of periodicals, the reading room provides an “oasis of quiet,” she said. “You can remove yourself from the daily hustle and bustle and get a little vacation.”

Their considerable contribution is directed toward the new Periodical Reading Room and provides the couple a Naming Opportunity for the space.

“One of the reasons we chose (the reading room) is our usage. Now that we’re older and retired it’s a great place to spend time,” said Colman, who serves as co-chair of the building campaign steering committee.

Certain donations, designated by specific dollar amounts, afford donors a Naming Opportunity for an area in the building. “They (the Colmans) will be acknowledged for their donation via a plaque in the room,” said Laurie Hogan, chairperson of the library board of trustees.

“The Periodical Reading Room will be a very comfortable and gracious space in the building,” said library director Ellen Dolan. Slated for the architecturally rich Jubal Howe Building, the revision is sure to turn back the hands of time to 1903, with impressive plans to restore many historic features such as hand-carved columns, windows and fireplaces to their original condition.

The updated space in the renovated library will accommodate periodical display units, additional cozy furniture and inviting study spaces.

“Imagine when people realize they can settle down in a big comfy chair in front of the fireplace,” Dolan said. “They will surely never want to leave.”

Dolan commends the Colmans’ dedication as library volunteers and renovation advocates.

“I’m so happy Kathi and Jim have decided to name the Periodical Reading Room, with their generous gift. Both are great users of the library…” she said. “I can imagine that in the future, when the new building is opened to the public, they will have a great sense of pride in witnessing how many people will enjoy these beautiful rooms.”

Additional information regarding the renovation project, donations, naming opportunities and more is available on the Campaign for Shrewsbury Public Library website.