The Topsham Public Library has received a generous bequest from the estate of former Topsham resident, Janice Solomon. The Board of Trustees and staff were overwhelmed by the $770,000 donation which has been placed with the Maine Community Foundation for investment as the Trustees work on the Strategic Long Range Plan for 2020-2023. In keeping with Ms. Solomon’s wishes, determining the best and most appropriate use of this gift will be a part of the planning process. The library was one of three charities to receive a bequest from Ms. Solomon.
Ms. Solomon was a frequent library patron and enjoyed speaking with the staff when she visited. She mentioned to a friend that she “felt safe and welcomed” at the library.
Ms. Solomon will be honored posthumously with this year’s Sarah Whitten Community Award for her amazing support of the library and the community. The award honors the spirit of Sarah Whitten, who donated her family home to the Topsham Public Library in 1941 and is given annually by the Board of Trustees.
Director, Susan M. Preece stated, “This is a humbling gift for all of us. Our mission is to be a community center in Topsham and we receive so much encouragement from the Town and residents. We are proud to be able to share Ms. Solomon’s legacy with Topsham.”
“June 5, 2019 is our fifteenth anniversary at Foreside Road,” said Larry Fitch, library board President. “The credit for building this facility goes to the people of Topsham, who voted to fund a modern public library. Janice Solomon’s gift is reminiscent of the forward thinking of other generations of library supporters helping to ensure that the library remains an integral part of the community.”