Public Library receives $1 million dollar gift

The Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County Foundation received a $1 million gift celebrating the life of Eva Jane Romaine Coombe that was announced on May 24th at the Foundation's annual donor recognition. The gift, received from the Estate of Eva Jane Romaine Coombe through the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, will endow the Library Director's position. The gift is among the largest ever received by the Library or the Foundation.

"I am deeply honored to be named 'The Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director' in recognition of a remarkable community citizen," said Kimber L. Fender.

Mrs. Coombe was a graduate of Seven Hills School and a long-time School Trustee, she earned a B.A. from Bryn Mawr College. After graduating, she worked for the International Department of the Bank of America in San Francisco. She returned to Cincinnati in 1957 and earned an M.A. in Modern European History at the University of Cincinnati. She married V. Anderson Coombe in 1957 and had sons James, Michael, and Peter and five grandchildren. She also served as a Board member of the Playhouse in the Park, as President of the Junior League of Cincinnati, and as a Director of the Friends of the Public Library.

Paul G. Sittenfeld, a Library Trustee and close friend of Mrs. Coombe, noted: "This gift acknowledges permanently Eva Jane's love of learning and her wish to share opportunities as widely as possible."

"The Foundation is very grateful for this gift, and for all donations that are used to help expand and enhance the programs and services of our Library," said Melissa H. Deters, the Foundation's Executive Director.

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