The Seattle Public Library is important to Leonard and Patricia Shapiro. They view the Library as a vital institution that serves everyone in the community and provides equal access to a lifetime of learning, an extensive collection of books and materials, and thousands of free educational programs each year. This generous gift compliments investments they’ve made to the King County Library System.
Patricia enjoyed a successful career as an economist and Leonard was a founding shareholder of TOTE (Totem Ocean Trailer Express), which is now the thriving maritime company Saltchuk.
Lifelong readers and close friends with celebrated librarian Nancy Pearl, they raised a nourishing family in the Pacific Northwest that includes two daughters and six grandchildren.
The establishment of this endowment is inspired by the Library’s efforts to spark a love of reading and learning for all children by providing books, materials and a safe gathering place for learning that includes high-quality, free programs designed to delight and inspire the Library’s youngest patrons.