The Jackson County Library Foundation is pleased to announce the receipt of a significant bequest of over $200,000 from Mrs. Sandra Marks, which is specified for the benefit of the Central Point Library. Monies raised by or donated to the Foundation generally support the library system above and beyond the constraints of a tax-based budget.
A long-time resident of Central Point, Mrs. Marks’ donation to her home library branch is a significant boost to the Jackson County Library District’s third most-busy library. Central Point Library Branch Manager, Leigh Blair, was so excited when she heard the news, she literally had to sit down. “The Central Point Library is deeply grateful to receive this generous gift from a wise and caring individual. We are thrilled to consider the many possibilities for the benefit of library patrons for many years to come."
Monica Weyhe, Jackson County Library District Board President says, “We are very pleased and grateful for this donation and want to make the best use of it for our current and future Central Point patrons, including my family. We will consider our wishes, hopes, and dreams for the Central Point Library together with what we learn from and about the Central Point community throughout our Strategic Planning process this year. It is premature to guess what the decision will be about what we may actually purchase at this point, though we very much look forward to that decision process in the near future."
Sandra Marks was a private person. Though the Foundation Board and staff didn’t know her personally, the many who did commented on her kindness and generosity. She was a retired nurse, and worked with several organizations as a volunteer throughout her career and during her retirement. She was especially involved with SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) and volunteered at the Mae Richardson Elementary School in Central Point for 10 years. Sandra loved reading and sought opportunities for children to access materials and to learn from books.
The Foundation is one of 10 recipients of Mrs. Marks retirement funds and estate – and since Foundation staff didn’t know her or converse with her about the bequest, it came as a surprise. If you are among those who did know Mrs. Marks, please post a note about her on the Jackson County Library Foundation’s Facebook page. Your stories will help piece together a profile of such a kind and thoughtful woman.