|
Harry Busck:
A Lifelong Passion for Books and Libraries. Harry owned Busck Bookstore for more than 70 years, with locations in both downtown Chicago and Oak Park. A devoted scholar of rare and historic texts, he worked closely with libraries across the region to preserve and share these treasures, ensuring that knowledge and history remained accessible to future generations. An avid reader and generous collaborator, Harry left a legacy rooted in literature, preservation, and community service. His daughter Chatka has carried forward this spirit, honoring his lifelong passion for books while embracing her own civic responsibility and personal privilege to give back to the Oak Park and River Forest communities. She purchased this plaque to recognize and honor her father. |
|
Don & Francie Coe:
Passing a Love of the Library Through Generations. For more than 40 years, Don and Francie Coe have been devoted supporters of the River Forest Public Library, a love fostered when Don’s parents started a library when they moved to undeveloped Florida in their 60s. Don and Francie proudly passed on their love of reading to their children and grandchildren. Their son, Mark, later carried this forward in his service as a Library Trustee (1999 -- 2011). Long before the Foundation’s creation in 2015, Don and Francie were active in the original Friends of the Library group. They fondly recall book sales with Mary and Ed Liebner and cherished their friendship with beloved librarian Barbara Hall, whose name now graces the Library’s meeting room. Beyond the Library, Don and Francie contributed widely to community life through the Hemingway Society, the League of Women Voters, the Garden Club of Oak Park River Forest, the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, and the Oak Park Conservatory. Having raised their family in River Forest, they were deeply touched when their children honored their six decades of love (60th Anniversary) and service to both River Forest and Oak Park with a commemorative plaque on the Library’s Garden Wall. |
|
Gwendolyn, Beatrix & Elektra:
Discovering Books While Finding Fun and Friendship at RFPL. As a mother, the River Forest Public Library has been at the heart of our family’s love of reading. The girls visit at least once a week—checking out books, playing in the children’s area, joining craft programs, attending special events, or simply chatting with the librarians we all adore. The staff know us so well that they’re always ready with just the right book or activity to recommend. One of our favorite traditions is the Summer Reading Kick-Off Party. The girls look forward to the last day of school not just for the start of summer, but because it means this joyful library celebration. Another favorite? The American Girl Doll collection, which makes a wonderful bridge between creative play and reading. We feel fortunate to have this library in our lives and are honored to recognize, with a plaque, what this special space means to our children. For us, RFPL is more than just a library—it’s a place filled with smiling faces, helping hands, and endless opportunities to explore the world through books. “We grew up with the library. The library teaches us that reading isn’t a chore—it’s fun! The library leads us to a world of books and places to explore.” – Gwendolyn |
|
Deborah Hill:
From Patron to Trustee: Finding Joy in Service to RFPL. Deborah has cherished the River Forest Public Library for more than 30 years, initially exploring it as a young mother and then deepening her commitment by serving over a decade as an elected Trustee. For Deborah, living in a community with such an exceptional library is both a privilege and an obligation – to ensure the same privilege remains available for generations to come. One of the defining moments of her tenure was witnessing how the Library rose to meet the challenges of the Covid pandemic — innovating with services like drive-up pick-up – to sustain community connections in an uncertain time. She describes serving on the Board as a life-enhancing experience that gave her new insight into the challenges and goals of a well-run library, as well as the joy of working alongside like-minded neighbors. Deborah was deeply honored to receive this plaque tribute from her dear friends, Mark and Kristen Coe, themselves devoted stewards of the community. |
|
Jack and Haven:
A Family’s Love of Reading The River Forest Public Library has been a meaningful place for Jack and Haven, where their enthusiasm for reading took root and continues to grow - especially through the Summer Reading program, which they look forward to each year. To honor those formative experiences, their parents dedicated a plaque in appreciation. “We support the Foundation as a way to celebrate the role the Library has played in our family's journey. The Library's children's programming was one of our first experiences in River Forest after moving here, helping us feel immediately part of the community. We remain grateful for the Library's creative programming and resources that encourage our family to dive into books and discover new interests." - Parents of Jack & Haven |
|
Al Popowits:
Civic Spirit and a Lifelong Love of the Library Al has been a devoted friend of the River Forest Public Library for decades - advocating for senior parking spaces at the Library, volunteering at Friends of the Library book sales, enjoying Coffee Mondays or reading by the fireplaces. He fosters his love of learning by developing travel presentations and attending countless programs—from music by the Dooley Brothers to lively lectures. He always appreciates the warmth and helpfulness of the librarians. A former high school teacher, Al is known for his energy, humor, and ability to engage any audience—skills that earned him recognition as River Forest’s “Forester of the Year,” from The Wednesday Journal. He is a passionate advocate for civic involvement, from grassroots campaigns to founding River Forest Voice. For Al, the Library embodies the very best of community life, and his hope is that residents will continue to cherish RFPL, support local institutions, and keep democracy strong by being engaged. Al's daughter Jeanne honored her parents with a plaque on the occasion of Al's 90th birthday. |
|
Sue Quinn:
A Lifelong Advocate for Children and Community Sue began her journey at RFPL in 2007 as a Children’s Librarian and served in several roles throughout the Library before leading as Director from 2016 to 2020. While she enjoyed working with patrons of all ages, she is a children’s librarian at heart—passionate about early literacy and instilling a lifelong love of reading. There is nothing more gratifying to Sue than placing a book in the hands of an eager child and watching their eyes light up. One especially memorable moment came when a mother approached her at a local store to share that her now nineteen-year-old developed a lifelong love of reading through Sue’s toddler Storytimes at RFPL. Sue spearheaded the Library plaque initiative with the River Forest Public Library Foundation in 2016. Working with families to design and install plaques commemorating loved ones gave her insight into the many ways the Library shapes lives and strengthens the community. People chose to honor their loved ones for different reasons, yet all recognized the Library and a love of learning as central to their legacy. The River Forest Public Library, with its nearly century-old building and beautiful garden, remains a jewel of the community. The RFPL Board of Trustees honored Sue with a plaque as a testament to her role in nurturing curiosity, promoting learning, and connecting deeply with the community. |
Is there a tribute story you'd like to add to the garden wall?
Contact us at [email protected] using subject line, "Plaques."
Contact us at [email protected] using subject line, "Plaques."