Children’s Librarian Leaves $1 Million to Library, Schools

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By Debra Lau Whelan -- School Library Journal, 6/16/2008 2:00:00 PM

Carol Sue Snowden spent 30 years as a children’s librarian at the Whitehall branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library in Ohio spreading her love of books to local kids. But library staffers were stunned to learn recently that she left more than $1 million to the branch and seven local schools when she died of ovarian cancer in early January at the age of 57.

“We all knew that she was dedicated to expanding children’s love of reading, but I don’t think anyone expected this amount of money,” says Kim Snell, spokeswoman for the library.

After all, Snowden lived in a condo, drove a used Chevy, and lived quite a frugal life. “She didn’t go on vacation, except to visit her family in Peoria, IL, and she never married or had any children,” adds Snell.

Snowden gave $530,000 to the Whitehall branch and $70,000 to each media center at seven Columbus-area schools. She specifically asked that the money go toward a new children and teen activity room at Whitehall. The library system is trying to decide whether to add a new room to the branch or move the library to a new location, Snell says. Snowden also asked that 90 percent of the school library money be used to enhance collections and 10 percent go toward computers and technology.  

“This money will make a big difference in getting the children of this community prepared to succeed in school,” says Snell, explaining that Whitehall is located in a low-income neighborhood.

Snowden also left money to the libraries she used growing up in Illinois, including $10,000 to her grade-school library, $10,000 to her high-school library, and $10,000 to her local library. She also left $10,000 to a Whitehall colleague, Nancy Gillespie, to pursue a master's degree in library science.

Snowden’s memorial service was particularly poignant for George Morrison, now a librarian at the Dublin branch. Among the many pictures on display was one of Snowden and a young Morrison laughing and dancing during storytime at the library. Morrison eventually grew up to work with Snowden at Whitehall’s homework help center, and he recently earned his MLS. Of course, Snell adds, he was inspired by one of his favorite librarians: Carol Sue Snowden.