Bookplates

The Gladys Brooks Notable Books Collection

July 1, 1982

The Gladys Brooks Foundation gave a gift to Burke Library in 1982 so that it could establish a special collection of current notable books.

Created under the will of Gladys Brooks Thayer of New York, The Gladys Brooks Foundation’s mission is “to provide for the intellectual, moral and physical welfare of the people of this country” Its intent was to support non-profit libraries, educational institutions, hospitals and clinics.

Gladys Brooks Thayer was born in New York City and spent most of her early life in Newport, Rhode Island. Mrs. Thayer was an avid collector of antique furniture, china glass, prints and other artifacts. As the years went on, Mrs. Thayer realized the importance of giving these collections to museums and other institutions which would maintain them. As a result of the tragic death of her son, she became interested in the welfare of boys, particularly underprivileged boys. Mrs. Thayer’s charitable interests were varied. In the late 1940’s, she gave an antique crystal chandelier to the White House, which was installed in the Red Room. Additionally, she endowed a room at the Cape Cod Hospital and made frequent contributions to it.