A legacy of long-time service at Marilyn J. Praisner Library (formerly Fairland) was honored on Sunday, October 7, when the Discovery Room at the branch was dedicated to the memory of Susanne Brennan Perella, an avid supporter of the library in Burtonsville.

When the former Library Director at the United States Department of the Treasury (Washington, D.C.) retired, she felt the need to give back to her community. She joined the Fairland Library Advisory Committee (LAC) and was an active member from 1986 until her death in 2003, serving as treasurer, chair and co-chair.

Perella was instrumental in establishing the Friends of the Library chapter at Fairland. In addition, she acquired funding for the Fairland Library signage and worked to maintain the garden at the branch.

Participating in the dedication were County Executive Ike Leggett, Montgomery County Public Libraries officials, members of the Friends of the Library, Marilyn J. Praisner Chapter and Bernie Perella, husband of the late honoree.

She also participated in the annual Burtonsville Day event that celebrates the life of the community’s namesake, Issac Burton, a 19th-century land owner in the area.

For more information about the dedication, contact James Stewart, 240-773-9450

To learn more about Marilyn J. Praisenr Library, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library and go to the Select A Library drop down list.