Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s administration announced it has received a $400,000 donation in honor of former Everett Resident, Kathleen Donnelly, who passed away in 2018.
Mayor DeMaria stated, “I am continuously amazed at the generosity of the people of Everett. But there are a few Everett residents that are exceptional and Kay was one of them. I am extremely grateful for this generous donation of $400,000 to Everett Public Libraries.”
On November 12, 2018, Donnelly passed away in her home. She was raised in Everett and attended her schooling in the city. She is a graduate of Everett High School, class of 1954. Donnelly never owned a television and found comfort in the many books on her bookshelves and the New York Times, which she read religiously. Before she passed, she wanted this donation to made in her memory. The donation will be split evenly between the two libraries, with $200,000 going to the Parlin Library and the other half to the Shute Library.
“A free public library is one of the most important roles we have in government,” said Mayor DeMaria. “It provides a quiet, safe, warm place to learn and to grow. With 10 siblings I am sure Kay took advantage of that quiet space. Today we are forever grateful for Kay’s wonderful gift. My hope is that Kay’s generosity will inspire another generation to the love of learning that was so much of Kay’s life.”