LIBRARY NOTES
Two checks with simple type-written notes and two gifts in her memory were the only evidence of Marian Naumburg's connection with the New York Society Library until the day an executor informed us that we were among her beneficiaries. We are now proud to announce an extraordinary gift of $500,000 from the estate of Marian Opton Naumburg. These funds are earmarked in varying amounts for three distinct areas of the Library: improved handicapped access and other building refurbishments; an offsite storage initiative; and expanded events programming. This contribution comes at a particularly opportune time and will have a very significant impact on Library operations over the next few years and beyond.
Mrs. Naumburg lived in New York City her entire life and died at the age of 101 in 2007. She was a great fan of libraries large and small. According to one of the two executors of the estate, Iris Alster, Mrs. Naumburg loved the New York Society Library. She was an avid reader with particular interests in art and architecture. She also supported land conservation. The two women were longtime friends and frequently traveled together especially to Europe and Hong Kong. As the estate was being distributed, Ms. Alster thought, "how very nice that we can do something for the New York Society Library."
Joshua Ginsberg, the co-executor, shed even more light on this woman he knew most of his life. A friend of his grandmother, she remained close to his family until her death. He said she was vigorous until the age of 98 and walked miles every day. She loved shoes (some of hers are in the collections of the Fashion Institute of Technology), collected portrait photographs, and enjoyed dance performances. Joshua told us that she was "not immune to extravagance," noting that Daniel and Jean Georges were her favorite restaurants. Most important, he said, "she was gracious and selfless - like a character from E. M. Forster."
Over the years, many have chosen to memorialize their connection to the Library by making a provision in their wills. Mrs. Naumburg's philanthropy will help us to serve our present members more effectively and also reach out to a wider community. With profound gratitude, the New York Society Library is making plans to permanently commemorate Marian Naumburg's generosity.
|