We invite you to become a member of the Mary Shaw Society, a special group of committed Queens Public Library supporters who have included the Library in their will or estate plans.
The Society is named for Mary Shaw, a pioneer educator and the principal of a public grammar school for African American children in Flushing. Upon her death in 1905, she bequeathed $1,000 to purchase books for a reference section at The Flushing Free Library, which is now part of the Queens Public Library system — and one of the most heavily used libraries in the nation. Her generous bequest embodies the Library’s mission to provide opportunities for intellectual and personal growth to all people.
You can provide for the future of Queens Public Library by naming the Queens Public Library Foundation as a beneficiary of your will, retirement plan, life insurance policy, or other estate giving vehicle. You can earmark your bequest for general use or for a specific library branch — either way, your gift will ensure that our free books and resources are available for generations of Queens residents to come.
Members of the Mary Shaw Society receive a commemorative QPL pin, invitations to an annual gathering and other special events, and an annual newsletter. With your permission, we’ll also list your name in the Mary Shaw Society Honor Roll on our website, so that your generosity and commitment may inspire others.
Ready to join the Mary Shaw Society? Simply let us know of your intention to include the Queens Public Library Foundation in your estate plans. Contact Susan Latham at 718.480.4312 or Susan.Latham@QueensLibrary.org for more information.
Download the Mary Shaw Society flyer and Bequest Intention Form.