The Effingham Public Library Board voted unanimously to accept a $400,000 donation from the Brumleve Family through the COHIHO Foundation. The donation will complete the library’s $2 million funding campaign to cover the cost of the new facility that they moved into in 2015.
The donation was made in honor of Suzette Brumleve. While the library will remain the Effingham Public Library, the building that houses the librbary will be named the Suzette Brumleve Memorial Effingham Public Library for a 75 year period in her honor. The Foundation was originally established by Effingham natives Joe and Suzette Brumleve in 2000, who tragically died in plane crash in 2008. COHIHIO is based on the names of their three daughters Corrin, Heidi, and Holly who carry on the work of the foundation. Foundation was established using the proceeds acquired though the sales of various successful area businesses.
The three saw the recent donation to the library as fitting tribute to their mother who trained as an elementary teacher at the University of Illinois and recognized the important work of libraries in the community. The Suzette Brumleve Children’s Area in the library was named so in 2015 after $100,000 donation.
A dedication and naming ceremony will be announced once details are finalized.