Staff Reports
Family and friends of the late Marylu Freeman Delph joined Turning Point Domestic Violence Services in dedicating a new library in her memory at the agency’s emergency shelter.
Delph’s daughter, Beth Gifford, wanted to come up with something to honor her mother, a domestic violence survivor.
Along with her stepfather Tom, they determined a library would be the perfect tribute, as Delph was a consummate reader and a proponent of literacy through her long-time association with the Columbus Service League and the Reading is Fundamental program.
The concept and design of the custom bookcase was created by C4 students in the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. and due to COVID-19 school closures, were built and painted by family friends.
Conceived with family groups in mind, the bookshelf looks like a home, flanked by new bookshelves, a colorful rug and comfy chairs to complete the room design.
At the dedication, Turning Point President Lisa Shafran quoted C.S. Lewis, saying “We read to know we are not alone.”
She then added, “Now our families here at the shelter will know they too are never alone.”
The new library was made possible by donations from many family and friends, including six daughters from MaryLu and Tom’s blended family. About 30 people attended the dedication, traveling from Florida, Georgia, Washington and Oregon to celebrate Delph’s legacy.
In 2020, Turning Point provided 5,123 nights of emergency shelter to 118 adults and their 91 children.
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Turning Point serves Bartholomew, Brown, Jackson, Johnson and Shelby counties. To learn more, visit turningpointdv.org.
If you or someone you know is in need of services or needs help, the 24-hour Helpline for Turning Point is 800-221-6311.
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