Leaving a Legacy for the Boston Public Library

Lorrey and Kathleen Bianchi have called the South End home since the 1980s, using the Central Library for research, borrowing books, and connecting with neighbors. As members of the City-Wide Friends of the Library, they volunteered their time to support the Boston Public Library (BPL). Lorrey served as president, and both fondly recall the countless hours spent sifting through carts of books for book sales—a weekly fundraising event at the time.

Their love for literature is strengthened by the Library’s egalitarian mission. Kathleen notes that she has always been impressed that the services and programs offered are open and free to all Boston residents. Lorrey adds, “There is no membership to the BPL!”

To ensure their passion for libraries benefits future patrons, the couple decided to name the Boston Public Library Fund as a beneficiary in their estate plan. When asked what they hope their future gift will accomplish, both agreed: “We have always felt the people at the Library will know how to use our gift better than we do.”

Lorrey and Kathleen hope more individuals will choose to support the BPL through legacy gifts. “If you are looking to maximize the impact of your donation, the best thing you can do is include the Library in your estate plan,” says Lorrey. Kathleen echoes this sentiment and adds, “The BPL is the place to make a difference for the generations to come.”