There’s still time to donate to the Barbara McCormick Reading Garden. Whether it’s a gift for the person who has everything or in loving memory of someone who’s left us too soon, your contribution will make a difference, just like Barb’s contributions to the Devils Lake community have left a lasting impact.
Why a reading garden?
After Barbara McCormick had passed at the end of 2016, Lake Region Public Library and the Library Board were notified that Barb had left a donation to the Library in her name. After much discussion over the past year, the Library Board felt it was appropriate to honor such a vibrant and generous community member in a way that would have a lasting positive impact on the Devils Lake community.
The Barbara McCormick Reading Garden is the wonderful external addition on the west side of the Library. It is an intimate, quiet, and beautiful spot for the Devils Lake community to enjoy. The garden has comfortable seating to curl up with a good book or device, an outdoor chess set for enjoyment, as well as plenty of seating to relax and hang out together.
About Barbara McCormick
Barb was an only child, was never married, and didn’t have children but that doesn’t mean she didn’t have a loving family. Family isn’t always blood – it’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are; the ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.
Barbara was born on July 23rd in Devils Lake, ND to James and Maude (Raine) McCormick. She grew up in Devils Lake and lived for a short time in Churches Ferry. She graduated from Devils Lake Central in 1949. She lived in Brownsville, Texas for many years and owned her own travel agency. She moved back to Devils Lake in the mid 1980’s.
Barbara was instrumental in placing over 55 properties in ND on the National Register of Historic Places. A generous citizen of the state and member of our community, Barb was passionate about giving back. She was an active and dedicated member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Pioneer Daughters, Delta Zeta Sorority (65 years), ND Historic Preservation Committee, DL Historic Preservation Committee (Sheriff’s House), Rainbow, Eastern Star, Cottey College Alumni Association, DL Tourism & Chamber Committees, District #15 Rep. Women, ND Republican Party Member, Lake Region Heritage Center Board, ND Chautauqua Board, a Rebekah, Churches Ferry Alumni Association, Member of the First United Methodist Church, Class of 1949 Reunion Chair, Community Concert Association, and Fort Totten State Historical Society. She was name Unsung Hero for the Lake Region, and was name DL Citizen of the Year in 2001 by the Chamber of Commerce.
Barb was never alone on the holidays and spent many of them in the homes of friends. She donated to many animal-related charities, as well as dozens of others.
Join Us in Honoring Barb
As we strive to come together as a community, let us look to the legacy of those who’ve gone before us. Barbara McCormick lived a life worthy of emulation and praise.
You can join us in honoring this wonderful community member by contributing to a garden that honors her memory. This garden creates a wonderful green space in our community that will be cherished for years to come.
Donations
Platinum Level Donations in the amount of $10,000 or more will be named as Platinum Benefactors on a plaque to be displayed in the garden.
Gold Level Donations in the amount of $1,000-$9,999 will be named as Gold Benefactors on a plaque to be displayed in the library.
Silver Level Donations in the amount of $500-$999 will be named as Silver Benefactors on a plaque to be displayed in the library.
Community Level Donations in the amount of $5-$499 will be named as Community Benefactor on a list displayed in the library.
Engraved Brick and Benches
Memorialized as the donor wishes (e.g. “Smith Family”), so you can make donations in honor of those who’ve passed away or in the name of your favorite charity or organization.
Bricks – $250.00 These make great gifts to honor someone’s memory or for the person who has everything!
Benches – $5,000.00 (Please speak with a member of the Library Board to claim a bench as there are limited quantities.)
How to Donate
To make your tax-deductible contribution, please contact the Library Director, Jared Tolman at 701-662-2220 or lakeregionpl@gmail.com. Donors may also contact any member of the Library Board: Lucas Wakefield, Lori Broschat, Barb Breternitz, Theresa Leiphon, Doris Michaels, Scott Volk, or Sawyer Diseth. Checks should be made the “Lake Region Library Foundation” or can be made online here. Receipts will be issued for tax purposes upon payment.
