Ligonier Public Library Restricted Fund

Donor Fund Story:

The Ligonier Public Library has a restricted fund which was established in January of 2011 and an agency fund which was established in January of 2012. The purpose of these funds is to support the library. The goal of these funds is to one day financially support the Ligonier Public Library.

“As current and traditional revenue streams are reduced or disappear entirely, these funds will serve as a potential source of funding”, stated Jerry Nesbitt library director. The Ligonier Public Library serves the community as a cultural, educational, entertainment and service provider. There are instances when budgetary constraints do not allow the library to provide a certain program or service. One such instance is replacement of outdated computer equipment. These funds may be used to support such a program.

The original fund was established due to funds from the estate of Mary Jane Carmichael, whom designated the funds go to the Noble County Community Foundation for the benefit of the Ligonier Public Library.

Mary Jane and her husband, Dean, did not have any children of their own, and they lived simply and frugally, according to their friends. She was pleased to know she was going to be able to give back to her community, according to her friends. The couple met many years ago while both were working at the same factory in Ligonier. They were married for more than 40 years before he died in 1991.

“She loved Ligonier and was a real Ligonier girl, through and through,” Cunningham said of Mrs. Carmichael, who was the aunt of Cunningham’s late husband, Doug.

Mary Jane Carmichael, passed away in October of 2010, at the age of 94, and was a lifetime resident of Ligonier whose memory will be kept alive by her generosity. Mrs. Carmichael’s estate will have a long-lasting effect on Ligonier, a town she truly loved, according to her niece, Gale Cunningham.

Jerry Nesbitt, library director, encourages people to donate to these funds in order to support programs and services requested by the community.