BCAT News

The Burlington Public Library received a generous donation from the Jackson Walsh Memorial Fund to support the Library’s services to children unveiling a train table for the Children’s Room during a recent ceremony with members of the Walsh family.

The Fund honors Jackson Walsh, a one-and-a-half-year-old boy who passed away in 2018 due to Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood. Parents Harry and Michelle Walsh founded the Memorial Fund in Jackson’s memory to support early stage learning experiences for children in the Burlington area.

The train table was created by Gunner Grey Furniture Fusion, who donated his time, design, and woodworking skills. BlackBeak Studios designed and painted the custom landscape that includes notable Burlington landmarks like the Burlington Town Common gazebo, Grandview Farm, Mary Cummings Park, and of course the Burlington Public Library.

New furniture for the Children’s Department play area was also donated by the Fund.

This is the Fund’s second major donation to the Library. In 2020, the Library opened Jackson’s Reading Nook, a “castle” with some of Jackson’s favorite books. The Nook also includes reading areas, furniture, a play kitchen and musical instruments as part of the donation. The Walshes expressed their pride and gratitude in these additions to the library.  

“We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has helped bring this project to fruition,” Harry and Michelle Walsh said. “It came out beautifully and we hope that families and their children enjoy it.”

Burlington Library Director Michael Wick conveyed the library’s appreciation to the Walshes. 

“Play is a very important aspect of childhood development, especially when it comes to fostering a child’s imagination, which we also seek to develop through reading and programming,” Director Wick said. “The Library deeply appreciates Harry and Michelle Walsh’s continued contributions to the library and to the children of Burlington, and thanks them for their generosity.”

Those interested in donating to programs are asked to contact the Jackson Walsh Memorial Fund.