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Ways of Giving |
The Newberry enjoys the enthusiastic support of a growing community of friends who provide financial support for the Library's general operations and special programs. The generosity of our contributors ensures that the Newberry Library continues to be a vital and dynamic place, with its doors open to all who share an interest and curiosity about the culture and history of Western Europe and the Americas.
For more information, please call (312) 255-3510 or e-mail contributions@newberry.org.
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| Tom and Nancy Swanstrom |
"There aren't that many research libraries in the world," says Tom Swanstrom, who with Nancy, his wife of 25 years, is a long-standing donor to the Newberry Library Annual Fund. "The Newberry fills an important role, and we believe in supporting that."
Tom traces the first growth of his Newberry roots back to 1979, when he took a class on maps at the Francis W. Parker School. From there, he became interested in collecting antique maps and subsequently joined the Chicago Map Society, of which he is a 28-year member. Meetings at the Newberry evolved into volunteering. Tom worked in the collections on projects such as creating a database for the Rand McNally maps and served as a docent for exhibits. But most significantly, he became involved with the Book Fair, and is serving as co-chair this year. "The Book Fair enables the Newberry to present a more relaxed image to the public," says Tom.
Today, Tom's connections to the Library are many - in addition to being a volunteer for more than 20 years, he is a member of the Caxton Club. He continues to collect, his interest in maps having expanded into atlases, globes, and illustrated books, particularly ornithology books. At the same time, he just completed the work required to become a master gardener, and he is a docent for four Chicago public gardens. He also is a member of the Civil War Round Table and has coordinated a number of classes offered by the Osher Life Long Learning Institute at Northwestern University.
An economist by training, before retiring he was the chief economist at Sears Roebuck. In addition, he taught as an adjunct professor at the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management for fifteen years and served as an economic consultant for lawyers for twenty years.
Through Tom, Nancy has also become part of the Newberry family. In addition to her quilting and other involvements here in Chicago and at their Michigan home, she has taken several classes at the Library. "The Newberry is such a wonderful learning institution," she says. "There is always something of interest going on."
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| James Wells (right) with David Spadafora, president and librarian, Newberry Library |
On a November afternoon, over lunch to celebrate his 90th birthday, Jim Wells reflected on his years with the Newberry, both as a member of the staff and as a long-time supporter.
"I was hired in 1950 on a trial basis by Stanley Pargellis, who was Librarian then," Wells recalls. A year later, he officially became the custodian of the John M. Wing Foundation on the History of Printing. By the time he retired in 1984, Wells had worn many hats at the Newberry. He became the Library's first vice president in 1975, with responsibilities that included acquisitions and publications. In 1981, he was appointed George A. Poole III Curator of Rare Books, a position now held by Paul Saenger. He significantly enhanced the Library's collections through the donation and purchase of books, and he helped see the Library through many changes, including the construction and move into the new Stack Building.
"He is a true ‘book man' and was the Newberry's face in the book trade and library world for many years," says Paul Gehl, who succeeded Wells as custodian of the John M. Wing Foundation.
Wells also was instrumental in nurturing the Library's early fundraising efforts and could be considered the second "father" of The Newberry Library Associates, after it was established by Lawrence Towner. "The idea of bringing together a broad, sizeable donor group was a new idea at the Newberry in the mid-1960s," adds Gehl.
Apart from staff duties, Wells has long given his personal support to the Library. He is a member of the Newberry Associates, contributing each year to the Annual Fund, and is a member of the Blatchford Society, which recognizes those who have remembered the Library in their estate plans. "I'm a great believer in charitable gift annuities," notes Wells. He has donated funds to establish charitable gift annuities at the Newberry Library, as well as a number of other organizations, that provide him with income for life. In his will he has named the Library as a residuary beneficiary of his estate.
At 90, Wells serves a special role as an ambassador to the past. At the same time, by establishing a personal legacy at the Newberry, he also plays an important role in its future.