Donations - Endowments

Endowments create lasting gifts for the Library and enable the Library to take on projects that might not have otherwise been possible with existing operating income.

Below are some examples of the lasting impact endowments offer the Library.

Consider making an endowment to Washington-Centerville Public Library.



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Dorothy R. Yeck Endowment for the Arts at Woodbourne Library
The Endowment for the Arts at Woodbourne Library generates annual revenue for making Woodbourne Library a focal point within the community by offering enriched experiences for Library patrons. This endowment, made in the year 2000, has funded several arts-related events including a workshop by award-winning children's book illustrator Peter Catalanotto, hands-on jewelry making with artist Bing Davis, musical performances by Top Brass and the Afro-Rican Ensemble, and an ART! Competition in honor of the Library's anniversary. In addition, the endowment funded an "artistic" update to Woodbourne Library's landscape and Children’s Room Makeovers at both the Centerville and Woodbourne Libraries using bright colors, whimsical elements and hands-on activities for the children.

Dottie Yeck Good Life Award Endowment
This endowment funds the Dottie Yeck Good Life Award Writing Contest for boys and girls. The contest encourages teens to share their plan for how to live a life that is fun, purposeful, and happy, and honor Dottie Yeck and her formula for living:
Being Good + Doing Good = Having Fun + Being Happy.
The winner of the Good Life Award receives $3000.

John P. Dewey Business Endowment
This endowment, made in memory of John P. Dewey by his wife Winifred Dewey and daughters Diane Ronneberg and Lynn Trimby, provides funds to purchase business and travel-related books and audiovisual materials. The endowment also funds, in part, a CD Business Card that provides valuable Web links and resources for businesses to help boost their bottom line.




About the Donors

Dorothy R. Yeck
Dottie Yeck served as a member of the Washington-Centerville Public Library Board of Trustees for 28 years, as President of the Board during the important growth years of Woodbourne Library from 1974-1980, and as Clerk-Treasurer from 1981-1992.

Through Mrs. Yeck's efforts, public library service was offered during the summer of 1972 at Dr. John Hole School. Under her guidance, the North Branch Library was established and flourished in the Washington Square Center from 1975-1979 to meet the needs of the growing community.

Under her leadership, the original Woodbourne Library was designed, constructed, and opened to the public in 1980, with an addition designed and opened in 1985.

Mrs. Yeck was a life-long supporter of libraries, a proponent of reading, and an advocate of library services for children. She also donated the "Storytime" sculpture at Woodbourne Library.


John and Winifred Dewey
Winifred Dewey was a library supporter and former Trustee. Her husband, John P. Dewey, served as a Library Trustee for almost 10 years; five of those years he served as President.

During his tenure, the Library constructed Centerville's first library building on Virginia Avenue. Upon his death, his wife Winifred fulfilled the remainder of his term and then went on to serve another 16 years and witness tremendous library growth. During her years on the Board, the Library expanded by opening the North Branch, and then in 1980, Woodbourne Library.