William Nichols sitting alongside a sketched portrait of him with his dog Brandy. The portrait was done by Amanda Emig, the library’s graphic designer. The portrait hangs in the Moltz Reading Rotunda Room.
The James V. Brown Library offers warm wishes to long term Library Trustee, William E. Nichols, who retired from the Board in December 2012, after 50 years of service.
He joined the Library Board of Trustees on November 12, 1962. During his tenure three capital campaigns were undertaken in 1971, 1993, and 2006 to expand the library’s growing collection, increasing services, and outreach to all ages. He held the office of President of the Library Board from 1973-1976 and again from 2006-2009, during which the Katherine Siegel Welch Children’s Wing was built at a cost of $5.3 million.
The James V. Brown Library is eternally grateful to Nichols for his commitment, support, and vision over the years. His term in office was longer than any other trustee – the closest being his predecessor, John Person, at 37 years. Current Board President, Harold Hershberger, offered these reflections about William Nichols:
Bill has a special talent for looking beyond a troublesome issue and finding a common sense solution.
He has always been a mainstay of the library board contributing much time, effort and a good deal of practical advice.
Bill was the driving force behind the planning, funding and construction of the new children’s wing. …
Woody Allen once said 90% of success in life is showing up – Bill has always “shown up” and because he has the library continues to grow and prosper. Thank you Bill for your extraordinary commitment to the Brown Library!
Please join the James V. Brown Library and the Library Board as we congratulate William E. Nichols on his retirement and lifelong commitment to volunteer service.
