The Entry Garden, designed in the style of a contemplative Asian garden, enhances the view from the New Materials Reading Room. It welcomes visitors to the Library in their pursuit of lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities.

The Peggy Gowen Memorial

A generous gift from the Friends of Brighton Memorial Library to the Library’s Capital Campaign has supported enhancement to the Entry Garden to honor the memory of Peggy Gowen.

The new design, contributed by landscape architect Shubhangi Gandhi, includes an endless riverbed of pebbles, a stone and granite bench and new flower beds, symbolizing Peggy’s seemingly

endless passion and support of Brighton Library.

Left to right at the July 23, 2004 dedication:

Jane Lehmann O’Brien, President, Library Board of Trustees; Marcia Elwitt, President, Friends of Brighton Memorial Library;

Chuck Gowen, husband of Peggy Gowen;

Angela Bonazinga, Executive Director, Brighton Memorial Library

 

Peggy Gowen was president of the Friends of Brighton Memorial Library at the time of her death in 2003. She was a tireless advocate for the development of library services in Brighton, Monroe County, and

New York State. She served for many years as a Library Trustee and was a leader in Brighton Library expansion initiatives and the development of the Capital Campaign.

Brighton Memorial Library is grateful to the Friends for this significant gift to the Capital Campaign. It enables the Library to continue the development of the peaceful and contemplative nature of the Entry Garden, originally given by Gretchen Shafer, while honoring Peggy’s memory. With their lead role in giving to the Capital Campaign, and in encouraging others to become Capital Campaign contributors, the Friends have embraced Peggy’s example and have been instrumental in the ongoing development of Brighton Library.