Submitted by: Friends of Everson Library
The 33rd annual Silver Tea at Whatcom County Library System’s Everson McBeath Community Library was all about silver and gold. Staff and Friends of the Library were on hand to dole out tasty cookies and piping hot tea while local musicians played and sang. There was a warm buzz around the room, as neighbors caught up with neighbors. There were several older people in attendance who had been brought there by friends and family. Two individuals were overheard to exclaim how much they enjoyed socializing and experiencing local culture at the library.
The gold part of the day – besides the golden glow of friendships old and new – came in the form of a presentation of a check to the Friends of the Everson Library, on behalf of the estate of Fred D. Nowicke. The Whatcom County Library Foundation had recently received over $4,000 from the estate for use at the Everson Library. At the Silver Tea, a trustee for the estate presented a second gift to the Friends of the Everson Library – a check for over $144,000! To say that everyone was amazed and thrilled is an understatement.
Several Friends officers were on hand along with Everson Library Manager Eileen Shaw. Treasurer Christel Bronsema accepted the check, which must be used for capital improvements. “What a wonderful bequest from the Nowicke family to the Friends of the Everson Library,” said Bronsema. “We are so grateful for their heartfelt thoughtfulness and incredible generosity.”
The Friends will be working closely with WCLS staff and administration, the City of Everson, which owns the facility, and local community groups such as the Lions Club to determine the best way to honor this generous legacy.
“Listening to the description of Fred Nowicke and his wife Evelyn, it is clear that they loved books and reading and treasured the Everson Library,” said WCLS Executive Director Christine Perkins. “Reading brought a lot of joy to their lives and the library played a significant role.”
Originally from the Chicago area, the Nowickes eventually landed in Everson, where Mr. Nowicke worked as a butcher. After retirement, the couple continued to read avidly, and their home bookshelves had books several layers deep. Their friends mentioned the couple’s deep intellect and their sense of fun. Former Everson Library staff member Susan Johns remembers visiting them at their home and having good conversations about books.
“It is extremely touching that they chose to recognize the library by making such a major gift,” said Perkins. “The Friends, so active in the creation of the Nooksack Valley Heritage Center, can’t wait to get to work!”
