Why I Give - Planned Giving Stories

Giving in support of ALA and ALA Awards

ALA has provided innumerable opportunities for me to learn and grow as a professional and to develop as a leader. I created the Ken Haycock Award for Promoting Librarianship in order to focus on the profession in addition to libraries as institutions. Through estate planning, this recognition will continue to honor librarians who make us all proud.

Ken Haycock, ALA Legacy Society Member

Giving in support of International Activities and Issues

International issues have been a key part of my life and career in academic, public and special libraries. As president of ALA we focused on the global reach and local touch of libraries.   With a strong interest in international issues I have included ALA in my will with a stipulation that the funds be used to support the international work of the association.  As a member I have worked to advance international activities within the association and want to ensure that emphasis continues into the future.

Barbara J. Ford, Charter Member of the ALA Legacy Society

My goals and professional development within the librarian ranks have continually been fostered with years of membership in ALA and involvement with GLBT advocacy. It is hoped that my financial gift will insure future librarians a vibrant professional organization that combats censorship of any kind. In addition to my verbal expression of gratitude, I wanted to take the added step of making a financial contribution to further the vital mission of the Book Award Committee of the GLBTRT.

John N. Mitchell, Charter Member of the ALA Legacy Society

Giving in support of the Spectrum Scholarship

I mailed a postcard to ALA over thirty years ago to request help to find funding for graduate school. I am most grateful to the Association staff member who wrote to my two institutions of choice to alert them of my needs. With my bequest, I am able to continue to make a long-term commitment to ALA and other students who have the same concern as me. Thus, I have stipulated the Spectrum program that will continue to award scholarships to talented students of color entering our field.

Dr. Em Claire Knowles, ALA Legacy Society Member

I have enjoyed my career as a librarian, and my involvement with ALA has brought me a great deal of professional pleasure. It is important to me to give back to the Association. I feel that I can do the most good by supporting minority participation. Over the years, I have contributed funds to endow a scholarship to support minority students as they pursue graduate degrees in library and information science. Through my estate, I am proud to designate additional support to this endowed Spectrum Scholarship.

William R. Gordon, Charter Member of the ALA Legacy Society

In librarianship, I found a career that I could dedicate my life to. In order to open this profession to others, my family and I created the Betty J. Turock Spectrum Scholarship, a part of the Spectrum Scholarship Program. The Spectrum Scholarship Program was created to increase diversity in librarianship. Greater diversity is not a social or moral question, it is necessary for the growth and progress of the library profession.

Betty Turock, Charter Member of the ALA Legacy Society