The Hutchinson Public Library has received a large gift from the late Deborah Mosier, a longtime teacher and resident of the city. Now, the library wants ideas about how it can be used.
Mosier left money to three local nonprofits in Hutchinson when she died in 2013.
The public library, the local Boys and Girls Club, and the Hutchinson Community Foundation have each received $1.4 million from the trust of Arlene Jennings, who was Mosier’s mother.
“It’s like winning the lottery,” Hutchinson Public Library Director Gregg Wamsley stated in a release. “This kind of endowment almost never happens to libraries.”
The three organizations were notified in 2014 that they would be receiving an endowment from Mosier, but they had no idea the donations would be so generous.
Kate Lewis, the library’s marketing manager, said Mosier was a teacher for 21 years and was beloved throughout the community.
“People have already shared on our Facebook page memories of Deborah,” Lewis said. “She just seemed dedicated to education and especially young people.”
The library has already budgeted for a number of updates to their facility and will hold on to the endowed money for something in the future.
Using funds saved in the Library’s Capital Improvement Fund, the library will be working on both entrances, the children's library restrooms, and the children's story time room.
The donated funds have no restrictions, and the library is asking community members to email and call the library with ideas.
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