Marleen with Brianna Miller, Boston’s Chief of Community Engagement
On July 10th, South End community members gathered with FOSEL’s Board of Directors to celebrate FOSEL founder Marleen Nienhuis and her many contributions to the Library and the neighborhood. The long-overdue celebration was intended to formally recognize the naming of the South End Branch’s Community Room for Marleen, which was finalized in early 2020. One pandemic and two floods worth of delay later, the event finally took place and was fully enjoyed by all in attendance, which included FOSEL Board members, BPL staff, South End residents and Library patrons, Marleen’s friends and family, and several public officials.
Marleen receiving a copy of the naming Resolution from City Council President Ed Flynn
City Council President Ed Flynn presented Marleen with a framed copy of the Resolution in support of the naming, and expressed his and the City’s gratitude for her tireless work, since 2008, to clean up Library Park, renovate the Library’s interior, bring children’s programming to the Branch, establish the popular South End Writes author series, and advocate for the survival of Branch libraries throughout Boston.
State Rep John Moran presenting Marleen with a citation praising her civic contributions
State Representative John Moran, presenting Marleen with a citation on behalf of himself, Speaker Mariano, and the entire Massachusetts House of Representatives, echoed Flynn’s praise for Marleen’s stalwart efforts and civic contributions over the years.
Marleen thanking former Head Librarian Anne Smart for her contributions to the community
Many others spoke at the event as well, expressing appreciation for Marleen’s dedication and service, including FOSEL President Yvette Jarreau, FOSEL Treasurer Barbara Sommerfeld, long-time South End resident and former municipal judge Herb Hershfang, and former South End Head Librarian Anne Smart. The speakers shared stories about the early days of FOSEL when Marleen wore all the hats at the nascent entity; building a membership, initiating a newsletter, setting up a website, planning programming. They highlighted the neighborhood-enriching programs implemented under Marleen’s leadership, such as the Local Focus Window (featuring exhibits about activities of interest in the community), Book Award displays, Easter egg hunts for neighborhood children, and jazz and blues summer concerts in the Park. Jarreau assured the group that, although the architectural plans for the South End Branch renovation are not yet finalized, the new building will feature a Marleen Nienhuis Community Room.
Even a few who were not present weighed in through written comments read by Jarreau. BPL President David Leonard sent his congratulations and well wishes, and acclaimed author, journalist, and academic Stephen Kinzer nicely summed up the evening’s sentiment stating, “We will never walk past the South End Library without thinking of Marleen Nienhuis.”
Marleen delivering a thank-you bouquet to long-time FOSEL treasurer Barbara Sommerfeld
Marleen herself addressed the crowd with characteristic aplomb and modesty, reminding the guests that her successes were achieved in collaboration with others, many of whom were in the room. She presented bouquets to Smart, Sommerfeld, and Jarreau in recognition of their invaluable help, emphasizing the indispensability of their involvement. She graciously thanked the FOSEL Board members and neighbors who assisted in projects over the years, from filling hundreds of Easter eggs with treats to planting bulbs in the Park. And she reminded the crowd that there is still work to be done.
Overall it was an uplifting evening filled with positive energy, and a fitting tribute to a dynamic local hero.
For more about Marleen’s contributions to the South End, see: Tribute to Marleen Nienhuis
Photos accompanying this article were contributed by Kim Crucioli, South End and Bay Village Liaison for the City of Boston.