In her 30 years as director of the B.F. Jones Memorial Library in Aliquippa, Mary Elizabeth Colombo gained a reputation as a prolific fundraiser.
Now retired, she still raises money for the library through a fund established in her honor last year by heirs to B.F. Jones, a co-owner of the steel mill that was Aliquippa's largest employer for more than 70 years.
Since December, the Mary Elizabeth Colombo Honor Fund has collected $11,000 -- including $10,000 from the Willock family, Jones' descendants, who live outside the area. Colombo has asked that donations be used for projects not covered by the library budget.
"I was stunned when a letter (from the Willocks) was read at our fundraiser last October," Colombo said. "They've made donations over the years, but I never expected this. It's the best retirement gift I could receive."
"The library has been very important to the community since the steel industry" collapsed in the 1980s, said Linda Helms, who replaced Colombo as director. "It's fitting (the Willocks) remembered Mary Elizabeth this way."
Colombo will be honored for her service during a public reception from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 23, in the library, 663 Franklin Ave, sponsored by Friends of the Library. Light refreshments will be served.
Before retiring early this year, Colombo obtained more than 100 grants that ranged in value from several hundred to several thousand dollars -- money the library has needed to operate.
She oversaw two capital campaigns that raised more than $1.6 million to renovate the library, expand the children's section and create an endowment -- separate from the one established in her name -- that will be used for restoration.
"Mary Elizabeth knows every nook and cranny. She treasures the place and made herself a big part of the community," Board President Angela Stevens said.
"Mary Elizabeth has been excellent at development," said Norah Miller, a longtime friend of Colombo's who served on the library board. "She's an extremely intelligent, capable woman who learned the history of the library and made it the jewel of Franklin Avenue."
The library building, dubbed on the library's website "as restrained Italian Renaissance style," is as remarkable as Colombo. Opened in 1929, it was built with money donated by Jones' daughter, Elizabeth Horne. In 1978, its architecture earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. It is constructed of limestone and punctuated with bronze details, including its doors, columns and swags.
Colombo, who will be 65 next month, began working at the library, in the reference department, in 1969 while studying for a master's degree in library science at the University of Pittsburgh. She has a bachelor's degree in education from Duquesne University.
Shortly after becoming director in 1980, she worked closely with local and state officials to save the library after funding was cut. For her efforts, she was awarded a Certificate of Merit in 1982 by the Pennsylvania Library Association, of which she served as president 20 years later.
She led a fundraiser after flooding did $100,000 in damage to the lower level of the library. Colombo said about 3,500 children's books were destroyed.
"Mary Elizabeth could have easily quit, but she worked tirelessly to make sure repairs were done properly so the library could keep its designation (on the National Register of Historic Places)," said Rochelle Barness, president of the Friends of the Library support group.
One of 29 district centers statewide, the library receives funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to provide support services, including consulting, to other public libraries in Beaver County.
Colombo resides in Ben Avon, in the home in which she was raised. A seven-year breast cancer survivor, she plans to work more in her retirement educating others about the disease.
Additional Information:How to help
Donations to the Mary Elizabeth Colombo Honor Fund can be sent to the B.F. Jones Area Library, 663 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa, PA 15001.
Phone: 724-375-2900.
