Category: Library Story

A teen came to the West Duluth library branch “Spooktacular HalloTeen” event. She was candid about how she often feels unaccepted by others. The librarians told her that she is always welcome at teen events and described some of the activities teens do there.

At the end of the night, after having made fake blood, taken the Fear Factor Challenge, created a Frankentoy, eaten lots of candy, and met some new friends, she smiled and said, “I guess l now know that libraries are the place for me!”

Foundation support makes it possible for librarians to have the resources to open up a world of welcome to teens. Finding that a library is a place where everyone can feel at home, where a teen can feel accepted and valued, can be a turning point that helps a teen succeed.

The Frank J. Sklaris Vision Fund was established by Janet Sklaris as a way to honor her husband’s memory. Frank was born in Pennsylvania, attended Cornell University, and then moved to New York City. There he was introduced to the ballet, igniting a lifelong passion, and he trained at Mercantile Stores. In 1954, his company sent him to Duluth to be part of the management team at The Glass Block.

Frank fell in love with the hilly city perched on the shores of Lake Superior. It was in Duluth that he proved to be a visionary in the field of advertising, developing a ground-breaking way for banks around the country and in London to advertise bank services. The building he purchased (now owned by the Lutheran Synod) still bears the sign “Sklaris Corporation” on its Superior Street side. Frank’s love of the ballet prompted him to serve on the board of the Minnesota Ballet for several years, which is where he and his wife, Janet, first became acquainted.

“I wanted to give a gift so that Library Manager Carla Powers and her staff would have the freedom to create innovative library services, now and in perpetuity,” said Janet.

Janet’s gift will promote the innovative thinking that Frank exemplified and will help fund the library’s efforts in exploring new ways to respond nimbly to the changing needs of our community. This designated fund—a fund with a specific purpose—was added to the library endowment and will support library innovation across time.

Terry Teich grew up in Duluth. As a child, she fell in love with books. As a student, and later as a teacher and adult, she regularly visited the library, making use of the books, services, and programs.

Terry was the first person to become a member of the Legacy Circle, indicating her plan to leave a gift for the Duluth Library Foundation in her will.

“For me, having volunteered for the library since the 1980s, contributing to the Foundation felt like a logical step—to give back. Now in retirement and considering my options, the Legacy Circle allows me to notify the Foundation of my pending gift, which will help perpetuate continued library service to our community.”

She added, “Libraries enrich our community.”

We are grateful to Terry for her support of the library she loves. We encourage you to become part of the Legacy Circle by letting us know that you plan to leave a gift for the Duluth Library Foundation in your will.