|
Ways of Giving |
The Newberry enjoys the enthusiastic support of a growing community of friends who provide financial support for the Library's general operations and special programs. The generosity of our contributors ensures that the Newberry Library continues to be a vital and dynamic place, with its doors open to all who share an interest and curiosity about the culture and history of Western Europe and the Americas.
For more information, please call (312) 255-3510 or e-mail contributions@newberry.org.
|
| Kathy and Jim Zartman |
The lives of Kathy and Jim Zartman and the Newberry Library have intersected in several ways over the years because of the Library's singular commitment to rare books and music.
Jim Zartman, a serious amateur violinist as well as a lawyer, is an active collector of books on the history and construction of stringed instruments. In 1953, at Chicago's Kroch's and Brentano's book store, he discovered a rare and beautiful book about the Guarnerius family of violin makers. A steal at $45, he snapped it up - and was hooked on collecting. Six years later, when a large and unusual collection of violin books came on the market, he took the list to the Newberry Library President and Librarian Stanley Pargellis to try and interest the Newberry in purchasing the collection. Although an acquisition didn't result, a relationship between the Zartmans and the Newberry was formed.
The Newberry's history figured prominently in Jim's practice as an estate planner.
He frequently used the example of Walter Newberry and the founding of the Library to raise the question with clients as to how the estate should be disposed of if no immediate family survived.
His wife Kathy shares his interest in music, and both became involved with the Newberry Consort as subscribers and supporters of the Library's early music performance group. Kathy and Jim are inaugural members of the Friends of the Consort, who contribute their time and resources to support the Consort.
"We've been able to provide a home stay to many of the Consort's visiting musicians," Kathy said, "and have built lasting friendships as a result."
Jim added, "The Newberry holds such a rich store of musical heritage; but it can only be appreciated through a group like the Newberry Consort. I've always admired the ability of Mary Springfels, and now David Douglass, to resurrect these scores and translate them into music that is accessible and charming for the contemporary audience."
Fall 2008