Longtime Madison Public Library staff member Barbara Williams, who upon retirement became a dedicated Central Library volunteer, left a gift of more than $200,000 to Madison Public Library Foundation following her death last year.
Williams served as a librarian for many years at Madison Public Library. When she retired in 2005, she continued to assist Central Library patrons in a volunteer capacity.
Williams’ gift will support the foundation’s endowment fund, as do all unrestricted bequests.
Carol Froistad, a retired librarian who worked closely with Williams, said Williams enjoyed supporting various literacy efforts and progressive causes across Madison.
“She very much wanted to make sure her money went to causes she believed in, Froistad said. “She loved and believed in libraries, and particularly in literacy.”
In addition to her own gift, her obituary requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to library collections, which resulted in even more gifts from her friends and family.
Individuals who express their intention to leave a gift to the foundation become members of the Silas Pinney Legacy Society, and receive a special pin to demonstrate their commitment.
To learn how to leave a gift to the foundation that will benefit the library, contact foundation Executive Director Jenni Jeffress at 608.266.6318.
Barbara Williams left a $200,000+ gift to Madison Public Library Foundation to support the endowment fund.