[Michlib-l] FW: Kalamazoo Public Library Receives Generous Endowment from Former Patron

[Farrell Howe]

December 1, 2016

Kalamazoo Public Library is humbled and honored to be the recipient of a $2.5 million bequest from a former library patron. The bequest came from the Irving Schensul estate that was divided between the Congregation of Moses and Kalamazoo Public Library after the passing of Schensul’s nephew, Eugene Colef, in July 2016.

Prior to his passing in September 2001, Irving Schensul was a devoted Kalamazoo Public Library patron. Every morning when the doors opened at Central Library in downtown Kalamazoo, Mr. Schensul would arrive to read the newspapers, and to chat with the librarians about literature and his passion – finance and investments. Staff looked forward to his visits and made sure to have his preferred reading materials ready for him each morning.

When Schensul passed away, he bequeathed more than his estate to his nephew Eugene Colef, he also instilled in him the same appreciation for his local library. David Devries, a librarian for Kalamazoo Public Library remembers Mr. Schensul and Mr. Colef fondly:

“In my earliest days as a library aide, I would sometimes work at the circulation desk in the mornings and Mr. Schensul would always be there when the doors opened.  Most of the time he would go directly to reference, but occasionally he would stop at the circulation desk or read from the magazines that were directly in front of it.  He was quiet, but always pleasant.”

“Mr. Colef was also a very loyal KPL patron.  I waited on him at the circulation desk and later at reference desk.  He also was very quiet, but was here often and checked out a lot of books.  Although I had observed both Mr. Schensul and Mr. Colef for decades, I didn’t realize they were related until we were notified of the bequest. Based on their generosity, it is apparent both of these gentlemen enjoyed coming to the library and were happy with our services.”

While the staff of Kalamazoo Public Library prides themselves on customer service and being a cornerstone of Kalamazoo, a bequest like this is a poignant reminder that libraries have a significant impact in the community, and in the lives of the people they serve.

“What sometimes may seem to be rather ordinary, daily transaction to library staff can be highly meaningful to the patron. Mr. Schensul and Mr. Colef’s dedication to Kalamazoo Public Library even after their passing, are only two examples of that,” said Devries.

Kalamazoo Public Library Director Ann Rohrbaugh echoed David Devries’ sentiments, “Staff who were here when Mr. Schensul was a patron remember his enthusiasm for business and current affairs and enjoyed lively discussions about both with him. We are excited and humbled to receive this bequest and intend on utilizing the endowment in a manner that will honor Mr. Schensul’s memory and lifelong devotion to Kalamazoo Public Library.”


Farrell Howe
Marketing and Communication Manager
Kalamazoo Public Library
269-553-7879

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