MEMBERSHIP

Deshler Society:  $10,000 or more annually.
Named in honor of John G. Deshler and William G. Deshler who established the first trust fund in honor of their father, David W. Deshler.  The fund was established in 1869. The trust still stands today and will stand, “for as long as the library remains public and free to every resident of Columbus, without distinction of race, sex, color or religion, under just and equitable rules and regulations, and so long as the conditions affixed to the gift are observed.”  Your gift qualifies you as an exclusive member of our Deshler Society, which includes,
•    An exclusive lunch and tour with the library’s Executive Director
•    A collection of books on a favorite topic dedicated with bookplates
•    All Noble, Pugh and Carnegie Society member benefits

Noble Society:  $5,000 - $9,999 annually.
Named in honor of Henry C. Noble who established the second trust fund with a $1,250 donation in memory of his father, John Noble, in 1876.  John Noble moved to Columbus and took charge of the National Hotel.  He later become supervisor of roads and worked to beautify Broad Street by planting trees.   He served on Columbus City Council and served in the Ohio General Assembly.  Your gift qualifies you as an exclusive member of our Noble Society, which includes,
•    Permanent recognition on the donor wall at Main Library
•    All Carnegie and Pugh Society member benefits

Pugh Society:  2,500 - $4,999 annually.
Named in honor of John Pugh, city librarian (and later library director from 1897-1946) who traveled to New York and used his knowledge of Andrew Carnegie’s Scottish heritage and his own grasp of the Welsh language to win over Carnegie and convince him to build our Main Library in Columbus, Ohio. Your gift qualifies you as an exclusive member of our Pugh Society, which includes all Carnegie Society member benefits, plus:
•    All Carnegie Society member benefits
•    Four tickets to attend the fall Celebration of Learning
•    Invitation to an annual leadership lunch

Carnegie Society:  1,000 - $2,499 annually.
Named in honor of philanthropist Andrew Carnegie whose $200,000 gift built Main Library and was the impetus for the Columbus Metropolitan Library system we enjoy today.  Your gift qualifies you as a member of our Carnegie Society, which includes these member privileges:
•    Two tickets to attend the fall Celebration of Learning featuring a noted author, cocktail reception and dinner in the stacks
•    Invitations to special events
•    Designated recognition in our annual report
•    An exclusive Carnegie Society library card