Diane E Zahand Memorial Fund

Posted on May 25, 2013 at 8:31 pm

Jim Zahand’s eyes filled with tears as he presented a gift to Spokane Valley Library on behalf of his family and friends in memory of his late wife, Diane E. Zahand. The purpose of the gift, a book collection and annual monetary contributions, is to continue Ms. Zahand’s efforts to foster a love of learning. Jim Zahand asked that the Board of Trustees accept the collection of books and create a fund in memory of Diane.

Diane Zahand founded the Prism School in the Spokane Valley in 2002. With Diane’s passing and the closing of the school, Jim decided to make a generous donation to the library and advocate Diane’s mission of creating young readers. The nonsectarian, private school taught Kindergarten through 3rd grade and featured a library collection of over 5,000 books. Librarians from Spokane County Library District evaluated the collection of mostly children’s nonfiction and picture books, with a smattering of chapter books and early readers. There were some adult titles as well, including regional interest materials on area tribes. The District is impressed by the breadth and depth of the collection and is grateful for the generous donation.

Along with the books, a fund was created in memory of Diane Zahand to support programs that develop young learners, as this is one of the Library District’s main priorities; it fits nicely with Diane’s life’s work and legacy. The fund is to be used for the purpose of supporting youth programming and projects designed to engage local youths, spark their curiosity, imagination, and passion to grow intellectually and socially. Donations to the Diane E. Zahand fund can be made at the Spokane County Library District administrative offices.

Tags: trustees, young learners