The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) recently received $10,000 from the family of the late Diane M. Blasko for the Children’s Area at the Springfield Library.
"This wonderful donation from the Blasko family helps to ensure that the youngest learners in the Springfield area can experience the Library’s welcoming, hands-on learning environment and establish a lifelong relationship with the Library from a young age,” said Aimee Fifarek, PLYMC Director and CEO.
Diane Blasko, a longtime Library advocate in New Middletown passed away on August 28, 2020, at the age of 96. She was instrumental in rallying community support to build the Springfield Library.
“Frank and I are pleased to sponsor the Children's Area of the Springfield Library in memory of my mother, Diane Blasko. She supported the Library in many ways over the years: Working at book sales, attending Library-sponsored teas, and various events. Her connection with the Library started when she arrived from France in 1947 and did not speak English—only French and Italian. The Library on the square in downtown Youngstown, gone for many years now, is where she got help with dictionaries and easy readers,” said Michele DeRhodes, Diane’s daughter. “As I grew up on the south side of Youngstown, she would often accompany us to the Southside Library, on the corner of Market and Willis. Mom loved children, and it seemed natural that we would choose the children's area as the place to honor her. Many thanks to the Library staff, especially Deb Liptak, for helping us make this event happen. Kudos to Cafe Augustine for the wonderful refreshments and kind service. It's easy to say, 'I LOVE MY LIBRARY!’”
“On behalf of the Library’s Board of Trustees, we are honored to accept this gift from the Blasko family that will help to support and expand the Library’s work to reach young readers and their families,” said Carole Weimer, President of PLYMC’s Board of Trustees.
“We are grateful for the Blasko family’s support and investment in the future of Springfield Library and for recognizing the importance of reading at an early age,” said PLYMC Development Director Deborah Liptak.
For more information on how to donate to the Library, visit https://www.libraryvisit.org/giving/, opens a new window or contact Deborah Liptak, PLYMC Development Director at 330-740-6086 or dliptak@libraryvisit.org., opens a new window
Follow PLYMC on social media (Facebook, opens a new window, Twitter, opens a new window, Instagram, opens a new window, and TikTok) and check www.libraryvisit.org, opens a new window for updates.
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC) has served the Mahoning Valley since 1880 when the Youngstown Library Association was officially created. With 15 branches across Mahoning County, including our Main Library in downtown Youngstown, the PLYMC is well known for signature services and programs like Summer Discovery and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. The mission and values of PLYMC to “connect, inspire, and enrich” position the Library to serve our communities by preparing children for kindergarten, promoting early literacy, assisting job seekers, connecting Valley residents to technology, and providing resources for small businesses.
