barbara johnson
In 2016 Barbara Johnson, a beloved 96-year-old resident of Portola Valley, left a magnanimous bequest to the Friends of Portola Valley Library. As a young girl, Barbara loved the library in her hometown of Wilmington, Massachusetts; during her 60 years living in our town, Barbara loved the Portola Valley library, choosing to walk there with enthusiasm until well into her eighties.
During her years working with young Ormondale students, Barbara exhibited a signature energetic sparkle as she engaged children in the joy of learning. Full of fun and vibrantly alive, Barbara was a valued community volunteer as well as someone who loved and cared for animals, both hers and those she rescued. Barbara renewed her boundless energy through quiet pursuits: reading, working jigsaw puzzles, creating oil paintings, and immersing herself in nature.
Although small in stature, Barbara was big in heart. Her generosity and love of learning complement FOPVL’s mission of enriching our library as it serves the needs of our community.
The Friends of the Portola Valley Library added Barbara’s generous bequest to our capital reserves, which will be used to augment the current Library building. We hope to build a STEAM annex to house hands-on, often “messy” projects that enhance children’s — and adults’ — learning.