BURLINGTON — Library Director Michael Wick is pleased to announce the Burlington Public Library received a generous donation from the Jackson Walsh Memorial Fund to support the Library’s services to children.
The Library unveiled the train table in the Children’s Room during a private ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 19, with members of the Walsh family.
The Fund honors Jackson Walsh, a one-and-a-half-year-old boy who passed away on Dec. 26, 2018, due to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood. Parents Harry and Michelle Walsh founded the Memorial Fund in Jackson’s memory to support early stage learning experiences for children in the Burlington area.
The train table was created by Jonathan Ota of Gunner Grey Furniture Fusion, who donated his time, design, and woodworking skills. Jason Sawtelle of BlackBeak Studios designed and painted a custom landscape that includes notable Burlington landmarks such as the Town Common gazebo, Grandview Farm, Mary Cummings Park, and the Library.
The Fund also donated new furniture for the Children’s Department play area.
This is the Fund’s second major donation to the Library. In 2020, the Library opened Jackson’s Reading Nook, with reading areas, furniture, a play kitchen, musical instruments, and a “castle” with some of Jackson’s favorite books.
“We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has helped bring this project to fruition,” Harry and Michelle Walsh said. “It came out beautifully and we hope that families and their children enjoy it.”
“Play is a very important aspect of childhood development, especially when it comes to fostering a child’s imagination, which we also seek to develop through reading and programming,” Director Wick said. “The Library deeply appreciates Harry and Michelle Walsh’s continued contributions to the library and to the children of Burlington, and thanks them for their generosity.”
Those interested in donating to programs are asked to contact the Jackson Walsh Memorial Fund.
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