Sanibel Public Library installed an outdoor bench and planters in the plaza area in front of the building in honor of artist Ann Bischoff. The bench was donated by the Sanibel Captiva Art League and Ann Bischoff’s family, in her memory.
Ann Bischoff and her husband wintered on Sanibel Island since the 70s, and moved here permanently in 1990. She was active in the San-Cap Art League, serving as club President in 1994. For many years, Ann Bischoff and fellow artist Rita McLain organized and hung artworks for the San-Cap Art League exhibits at the Library. The Art League has been exhibiting at the Library since the building opened on Dunlop in 1994. Ann passed away in 2018. Fellow artist Jane Hudson says, “Ann would be so pleased to see this memorial bench in her name, and she’d love the beautiful flowers as well.” Sanibel Public Library’s Murry Lewis coordinated choosing heat-tolerant flowers and installing the bench.
Margaret Mohundro, Library Executive Director said the Library receives memorials quite often, though usually coming in the form of a donation or books purchased in someone’s honor. “Outdoor seating is a wonderful gift in honor of Ann, who worked on so many art exhibits here at the Library. Patrons frequently sit outside the Library, either to read or access the WiFi,” said Mohundro.
Gifts made to the Sanibel Public Library Foundation supports Library programs such as the Youth Summer Reading Program, Author Series, and technology services like the eShelf. Leveraging public tax dollar investment, the Foundation helps the Sanibel Public Library provide dynamic and engaging initiatives to enhance the Library experience.
From technology initiatives, such as Teen Space, 3-D printing, and VR to pilot programs in “Library of Things” like cooking and birdwatching kits, the Foundation helps the Library implement new innovative programs.
The Sanibel Public Library Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization supporting the Sanibel Public Library and reading and literacy in Southwest Florida. In the past 10 years the Foundation has provided more than $1 million in grants and gifts to the Sanibel Public Library. For more information on giving please contact the Library or consider an online contribution.
