New signage honors legacy of special donors

Posted on November 29, 2021

There are many ways to give to support the Library, and one way is to create a named endowment fund, and designate the proceeds for the Library Foundation’s use. The Library Foundation recently installed signage recognizing the named funds that currently support the Library, with room for more signage to be added for future endowment funds. Created with starting gifts of $25,000, these funds ensure a long-lasting legacy for their donors and honorees. Gifts can be made in installments through multi-year pledges, in a lump sum or through planned gifts such as in a will, or a combination of methods. If you are interested in learning more about establishing a fund to support the Library Foundation, contact Theresa Browning at 317-275-4874 or tbrowning@indyplfoundation.org.

The recognized funds listed in the new signage are as follows:

Donna D. Talley Fund
Established 2011
Donna Talley believed in the power of reading to unlock children’s potential. She volunteered at the East Thirty-Eighth Street Branch and gathered neighborhood youth for story time at her home. After she passed away in 2006, her husband, Steve, worked with the Library Foundation to honor her legacy. His fundraising and personal gifts supported enhancements to the Branch’s children’s area, early literacy initiatives and an endowment in his wife’s name to fund materials, technology and programs for young people.

Dr. Michael R. Twyman Endowment Fund
Established 2013
A lifelong Library patron, Michael Twyman was the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust’s founding director of grant programs-Indiana. He championed many gifts to the Library, including a lead contribution to the Central Library capital campaign in 2001 to name the Nina Mason Pulliam Indianapolis Special Collections Room. To honor his 14 years of service, Michael chose the Library Foundation as the recipient of the Trust’s endowed fund in his name. At his request, the fund supports literacy and educational initiatives for marginalized children and adults.

Zeff Weiss Memorial Fund
Established 2015
Zeff Weiss served on the Library Foundation’s Board of Directors between May 2004 and May 2013, and then on the Foundation’s Advisory Committee until his death in November 2014. The Zeff Weiss Memorial Fund was established with contributions from more than 100 donors. It perpetuates Zeff’s legacy of learning by supporting a variety of Library programs and services.

Herbert Simon Early Literacy Specialist Fund & Herbert Simon Teen Services Endowment
Established 2015
Herbert Simon, co-founder of Simon Property Group and owner of Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PSE), loves to read books. He values public libraries and the opportunities they create for youth. Recognizing the importance of fostering a love of reading from an early age, his family foundation endowed the Library’s Herbert Simon Early Literacy Specialist position. The Herbert Simon Teen Services Endowment was established when Larry Bird, Donnie Walsh, Rick Fuson and Jim Morris invited friends and PSE colleagues to celebrate Herb’s 80th birthday with gifts to the Library Foundation.

The Mary Frances Rubly & Jerry Hummer Fund
Established 2018
Mary Frances Rubly and her son, Jerry Hummer, are long-time Library Foundation donors. Dedicated to the wellbeing of children, they have supported the Summer Reading Program, live animal shows and other Library initiatives that blend learning and fun. They contributed to the 2016 renovation of the Southport Branch, where the community room is named in their honor.

The Sally Miller Peck Endowment for Literacy
Established 2019
Sally Miller Peck was an avid reader and a dedicated supporter of literacy and The Indianapolis Public Library. She wanted others, particularly children, to experience the joy reading brought to her life. When Sally passed away in 2019, her sons and daughters-in-law, Lawrence B. Peck & Sarah Dean Peck and Thomas R. Peck & Sandra H. Peck, established this fund to continue her legacy.

Next 50 Fund
Established 2019
The Library Foundation established the Next 50 Fund as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. Inspired by the rapid evolution of Library services over the previous half-century, the Next 50 Fund is a permanent funding source dedicated to the Library’s evolving efforts on behalf of youth. This fund was established through the gifts of many generous donors.

The Michael D. O’Brien Fund
Established 2020
Michael O’Brien was co-owner of Printing Partners and a prominent arts supporter. In addition to being a generous Library Foundation donor, he served on the board of directors of The Indianapolis Ballet, American Pianists Association, Storytelling Arts and The Indianapolis Violin Competition. When he passed away in 2020, he was survived by his wife, former IndyPL CEO Jackie Nytes. Memorial contributions received by the Library Foundation funded the endowment in Michael’s name dedicated to supporting arts at the Library.

If you have questions about giving to a fund, or creating a new fund, contact us at foundation@indyplfoundation.org or 317-275-4700.