For many families, the John McIntire Library has been a big part of their lives since childhood. That is certainly the case for the Straker family, who have a deep connection to the library and in recent years have continued to show their support. In April, the JW & MH Straker Charitable Foundation presented a check for two million dollars for the reimagined Children’s Area at John McIntire Library.
“This donation from the Straker Foundation is a meaningful investment in our community’s future. Their support helps us reimagine the children’s area at John McIntire Library—transforming it into a more engaging, inclusive, and creative space for young learners and their families,” said Stacey Russell, Executive Director of the Muskingum County Library System (MCLS). “The donation will support the entire children’s area as part of our large-scale remodel project. That includes new interactive learning features, updated furnishings, creative play spaces, and a more welcoming and dedicated space for children and caregivers to enjoy the library. It’s all designed to support early literacy, imaginative exploration, and lifelong learning.”
In 2001, statues of children carrying books were installed in memory of Laura Rich Cleary, Mary Helen Straker’s Mother. Both Laura and Mary instilled the love of reading in the Straker children.
“The statues outside the library are longtime favorites for our young visitors and have become a bit of a local landmark. This statue was a gift from Mary Helen Straker, a dedicated former board of trustees member. It depicts each of her four children with their favorite book. These children are now a part of the Straker Foundation board that made the decision to generously support the John McIntire Library remodel,” explained Russell.
The recent donation to the Children’s Area shows the impact the John McIntire Library has had on the Strakers and what it has meant to their family. Thanks to their generous donation, the modern experience that the library will be able to provide with innovative design and interactive features will create a lasting impression on children for years to come.
“This gift reflects the Straker Foundation’s commitment to access, education, and opportunity, and we are incredibly grateful for their belief in the power of libraries,” said Russell.
Main photo submitted by MCLS.
