Berwick, Nova Scotia: The Annapolis Valley Regional Library is honoured to announce that the late Mr. Donald Robert Evans of Granville Ferry, NS has bequeathed over $1.2 million for the support of the Annapolis Royal Branch of the Annapolis Valley Regional Library.

Mr. Evans was an avid user and supporter of the Library. He was born in Toronto, Ontario and graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1955. He spent several years in New Zealand, Australia, and England working in the Oil Exploration business and also in the United States as a computer programmer at an Environmental Testing Laboratory. He retired in Nova Scotia and died at the age of 89 on October 26, 2020.

AVRL received these funds in late 2022 and has invested them with the intent of preserving the capital and growing the fund for future support of the Annapolis Royal Branch. Under the Province of Nova Scotia’s funding formula for public libraries, the Municipality provides the physical branch for public use and the Library receives operating funds from the Province and funding Municipalities to pay for staffing, collections, and technology. Proceeds from the invested funds can therefore be used for enhancements to the existing service including the building, programs, and technology. The first project for the Evans bequest will be the installation of heat pumps in the library space in 2024, to ensure that the Branch can be a comfortable heating and cooling station for all.

The Annapolis Valley Regional Library is committed to the stewardship of these funds to ensure that the Annapolis Royal Branch is able to support the growth and well-being of its community. The Annapolis Royal Branch will be hosting a celebration event on February 21, 2024 to mark this historic occasion and generosity. Mr. Evans’ name will be inscribed on the Friends of the Library’s Donor Wall.

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For an interview or to discuss this release, contact: Julia Merritt, CEO

jmerritt@valleylibrary.ca