Teacher Leaves $360,000 to Library
Chicago-area teacher earmarks $240,000 for children's materials in library's biggest donation
Kathleen Isaacs -- School Library Journal, 10/1/2003
Robbins, who died in October 2002 and had no surviving relatives, had specified that $240,000 be earmarked for the children's department to buy books, computer equipment, software, and audiovisual equipment, says Library Director Robert Harris, who received the news from Robbins's attorney last spring. The remaining $120,000 will endow a scholarship for students seeking a degree in library science.
Library officials will create the Edgar Lewis Robbins Family Fund, named for Robbins's father, and will purchase materials using interest gained from the fund. They'll also devise guidelines to identify gaps in the children's collection. Robbins had given several $1,000 donations in years past, but gave no indication of her generous will, says Harris.
Robbins taught for 35 years at William Hammerschmidt Elementary School and retired in 1992.
