Tolland Public Library Foundation
Tolland Library Celebration of Eaton-Dimock-King Endowment
On June 19, 2010, a community celebration was held at the Tolland Public Library to honor the late Elizabeth C. King Eaton for the largest donation ever made to the library. The benefactor, whose grandfather was born in Tolland in 1888, was the former Director of Tufts University Health Sciences Library. At the time of her death in February 2009 she was the Executive Director of the Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library and Director NN/LM National Network of Library Medicine, South Central Region, National Library of Medicine.
Town Manager Steven Werbner welcomed everyone to the Library Celebration and expressed the town’s appreciation of the donation of the Phoebe Dimock King and Elizabeth C. Eaton King Endowment to Tolland Public Library.
The bequest was made in honor of herself and her mother, the late Phoebe Dimock King. Elizabeth’s wish was to honor her mother’s love of literature, and her devotion of 24 years to Tolland Public Library.
Dr. Frederick Daniels, Town Council Chair, presented a Proclamation from the Council. The generous gift will allow the library to purchase books, magazines, databases and other library resources for the public to use.
Philip Bognar, President of Tolland Public Library Foundation (TPLF), presented a plaque to Susanne King, a sister of Elizabeth King Eaton, in appreciation of her generous bequest of over $500,000 to the Tolland Public Library. Interest from the endowment has already been used to purchase subscriptions to four databases for the public to use at the library, and several are also available through remote access.
Susanne King accepted the honors in her sister’s memory.
Over 60 family and friends of Elizabeth Eaton King, and Tolland residents attended the June 19th celebration at the Tolland Public Library. Family members traveled from as far as Alaska to attend the special event.
Sara Clokey, age 6, told the audience why she likes Tolland Library.
“ The Tolland Library is important to me because it has good books to read. Some of my favorite books are, If Wishes Were Horses, Magic Tree House, and Ivy and Bean series.
They also have fun activities. I have been to a Fancy Nancy and Princess party with Mrs. B. My brothers loved Truck Day when they were little. The Tolland Library is a fun place to be!”
Charles Perosino, age 11, also shared his thoughts.
“The library is the one place in Tolland that everyone shares. We all come together here. People of all ages can enjoy it. Media sources are always endless. You can borrow new music, movies and videos, read magazines and newspapers, and most importantly, borrow books!
I love the library because the whole world fits right inside it. Whenever I go to the library my mind opens up more and more. I learn so much about things I never knew about.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who works at the library like Mrs. King did. You all make the library possible and it is a true treasure to the citizens of Tolland.”
The appreciation plaque was hung at the library to recognize the generous gift that will benefit library patrons now and for future generations.
Following the formal presentations at the library, family and invited guests gathered for a luncheon at the Tolland Arts Center. Edith MacLean, a friend of Elizabeth’s, entertained with musical selections on the piano. Barbara Cook of the Tolland Historical Society spoke about Elizabeth’s place in the history of Tolland Library. Elizabeth’s brother, Charles, spoke about King family memories.
After lunch, the family viewed the Arts of Tolland garden, then strolled the Tolland Green, stopping for tours at the Hicks-Stearns Museum, the Old County Jail and Museum, and the French-Canadian Genealogical Society of Connecticut Library (former home of the Tolland Library, where Phoebe King worked as a librarian).
While at the Old County Jail and Museum, the family had the opportunity to view Tolland Attorney Robert King’s (Elizabeth’s father’s) desk from the General Assembly, State Capitol, where he had served as our local State Representative. Also on display were bridal outfits collected by the Tolland Historical Society.
The Foundation has authorized an initial grant of $7000 for library subscriptions to four new online databases for public access. They include:
• Ancestry.com (Library Edition)- This popular genealogy resource includes over 4 billion records (census data, vital records, directories, photos, and more) to aid in tracing family ancestors.
• NoveList Plus- This complete readers’ resource, with information on over 250,000 fiction and readable non-fiction titles, will help libraries and patrons find the next “great read”. Also included are lists of award-winning books, Book Discussion Guides, BookTalks, Recommended Reads, and more.
• ConsumerReports.org- This popular, award-winning website provides quality and price comparisons to help consumers make better purchasing decisions. Advice and tips on home improvement, personal finances, and health are also included.
• Credo Reference- Library Journal’s Best Reference Award 2009. Access full text of over 400 reference books covering every major topic, including art, medicine, history, technology and literature.
Foundation supporters and the Tolland community are encouraged to join the celebration, try out the newest resources, and show appreciation of this generous gift that will enhance library services now and for future generations.
Updated July 14, 2010