Book Collection at Westminster West Library

Thank you to all the wonderful friends who made donations to various libraries in honor of Claire over the last year and a half. It is fitting that her teaching legacy will continue through books. Special thanks to Lisa Merton and Alan Dater for contributing profits from their documentary The World in Claire’s Classroom. Their gift enabled significant book purchases at Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro, Putney Public Library and the Westminster West Public Library.

As to be expected the majority of donations were given to the Westminster West Public Library, to the amount of $900, including a check for $100 from the community in Puerto Rico that the Westminster West School had held cultural exchange trips with over the years.

Bev Major, with the blessings of the Library Board of Directors, decided to create the Claire Oglseby Collection on Peace and Cultural Diversity. The books are targeted to elementary age children and stress cross-cultural understanding and world peace. “These are the things that Claire’s teaching centered on,” said Major. “Anyone who spent time in Claire’s classroom will tell you that and this is a way the library wants her to be remembered.”

The collection was introduced to the public on January 5, 2011 with a dedication ceremony including former students relaying how the lessons learned in Claire’s classroom have influenced their international understanding. The dedication was followed by a showing of The World in Claire’s Classroom.

View the Brattleboro Reformer article: Corner-for-Claire-Reformer.pdf