Remembering Georgianna Saloff: A Legacy of Generosity and Education

Posted on February 3, 2025

by Toledo Lucas County Public Library

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library mourns the passing of Georgianna Saloff, a remarkable woman whose lifelong dedication to education and philanthropy left an indelible mark on our city. A steadfast supporter of the Library and a passionate advocate for learning, Georgianna’s generosity and commitment to giving back have shaped countless lives.

As a retired teacher, Georgianna understood firsthand the transformative power of education. She dedicated her life to ensuring that young minds had the tools and opportunities to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom. Friends often told stories of her reading books to the children in her neighborhood on her front porch during the summer. Her unwavering belief in the importance of learning extended beyond her career, leading her to become one of the Library’s most dedicated supporters.

While Georgianna’s spirit can be seen in a few locations throughout the system, including her beloved Birmingham Branch Library, Georgianna’s legacy is profoundly felt in the transformation of the Saloff Family Children’s Library. Situated on the second floor of Main Library, this vibrant space underwent a significant renovation in 2019. Initially, during the planning phases of the extensive renovations at Main, the Children’s Library was removed from the project list, as the budget did not allow for the costly endeavor. Upon hearing this, Georgianna committed the funds needed to bring the community the most amazing children’s library in the region.

The redesigned space seamlessly blends new interactive displays with timeless fixtures, creating an environment that captivates readers and learners alike. Features such as the Mystery Wall, the Mary Kay Anderson Dr. Seuss Wall, and the Jennifer Fisher Nancy Drew Room invite children to explore the realms within books, but the highlight is definitely the personal story shared upon entering the space. When visitors come in, they are greeted by the awe-inspiring Saloff Family model steamship and feature wall. The interactive display tells the story of how Georgianna’s father, George K. Saloff, first came to the United States from Macedonia by ship with nothing more than a single gold coin in his pocket. It is a testament to his determination and strength. Through hard work and resolve, he built a successful life, ensuring that his daughters received the best education possible. When designing the space, Georgianna wanted to pay a special tribute to the man who meant so much to both her and her sister, Dorothy.

Beyond her contributions to the Children’s Library, Georgianna was a passionate advocate for early literacy and the power of books in the home. Before her passing, she became the lead donor in supporting the Library’s work with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, recognizing that access to books from an early age is fundamental to a child’s cognitive and language development. A home filled with books is one of the strongest predictors of academic success, and Georgianna’s generosity ensures that children across the community have this crucial resource. With each book mailed monthly to a child’s home, families are given the opportunity to develop daily reading habits, share stories, and create a rich literacy environment. Her leadership gift has allowed the Library to provide hundreds of thousands of books to children in Lucas County, helping to build home libraries that serve as a foundation for lifelong learning.

“Despite her tremendous generosity, Georgianna never sought recognition for herself,” said Jason Kucsma, executive director of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library. “She didn’t give for the accolades but because she understood the importance of strengthening the community that shaped her life. She believed in the power of literacy, the necessity of accessible educational resources, and the responsibility of giving back.”

Georgianna’s impact on the Library and the Toledo community will be felt for generations to come. Her legacy is one of kindness, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to fostering learning and opportunity. We are forever grateful for her support, and we honor her memory by continuing the work she held so dear.

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