Donor Spotlight

With strong family traditions of giving and service, an inspiring ‘next generation’ is investing in their Library and community.

Hannah Subotnick
Beginning at age two, Hannah came to the Library with her mother and sister regularly to listen to stories and check out books. The Library became a special place, the librarians became friends, and the books became a part of her life. Among the books Hannah chose, photographic essays about ballet were her favorite. Perhaps these books sparked an interest, because Hannah has been dancing at Festival Ballet almost as long as she has been coming to the Library!

Recently, at age 12, Hannah became a Bat Mitzvah, an adult in the Jewish community. In preparing for this significant event in her life, she considered various causes to benefit from her Bat Mitzvah tzedakah project. Tzedakah is often translated as "charity," but a better translation is "righteousness" - the idea being that we have an obligation to help the needy and improve the world. She decided to donate money to the Providence Public Library. Specifically, she wanted to earmark the money to expand the Library's collection of books, video, and audio related to dance.

On her Bat Mitzvah invitations, Hannah asked that people donate to the Library in lieu of giving gifts to her personally. For Hannah, this was a logical and meaningful choice because both the Library and dance have been important parts of her life. In this way, she was able to make her first significant tzedakah as a Jewish adult, honoring the wonderful gifts she has received from the Library and its special place in her life. With the many books and materials that her gift will add to the library's collection, Hannah will truly enhance the Library for others in the community who make use of this rich resource.

Sarah Engle
A few years ago Sarah also chose PPL to be the beneficiary of her tzedakah project, a choice that was inspired by strong traditions of philanthropy in her own family. One such tradition, ‘philanthropy day’ is now practiced by a second generation of Engles. Each year, the children work together to explore and select one or two charities that are meaningful to them, and they support these causes. Together, the family learns more about where there is need in the community, and how to make an impact through giving and service.

It followed that Sarah built upon this tradition by choosing to have Bat Mitzvah gifts donated to a charity in honor of this special milestone in her life, rather than given to her personally. Choosing the Library reflected her love of reading and her desire to pick an organization that would have a wide impact, ensuring that children throughout Rhode Island had access to the world of reading that was so important to her.

Sarah met with Senior Children’s Librarian, Bonnie Lilienthal, and chose dozens of books to enrich the Children’s Collection. Her thoughtful decision continues to touch the lives of our youngest patrons who are enjoying the ‘magical joys of reading’ that Sarah chose to share with so many.

“It is refreshing to know young people like Sarah and Hannah who think in terms of making a difference for others at such an important time in their lives. What a privilege it has been to work with them and to observe the pleasure that their gifts bring to the children who visit the Library.” ~
Bonnie Lilienthal, Senior Children’s Librarian

The Library’s Memorial and Tribute Program ~ A Tradition of Philanthropy
Our most treasured traditions and values are expressed through the ways that we celebrate our achievements and milestones with cherished friends and family from generation to generation. When these occasions are marked by caring tributes to what is most important in our lives and the lives of those we love, inspirational family philanthropic values are passed on, and the community as a whole is strengthened.

When such gifts are made to the Library to celebrate an anniversary, offer congratulations on accomplishments, or memorialize loved ones who have passed, the charitable spirit lives on and grows, fostering a tradition of giving. And, of course, Library collections grow, programs and services are supported, and a great love of free, lifelong learning is honored in the process!

A gift to the Library’s memorial and tribute program can be made in a number of ways, from a ‘name in a book’, to the designation of funds for a specific collection or program, to establishing an endowed fund to create a legacy for the future.

To learn more or to make a gift in this special way, please call the Nancy Ponte, Development Manager at (401) 455-8003, nponte@provlib.org.