Greenwich Library, recognized as one of the nation’s premier libraries and the most visited library in the state of Connecticut, has received a transformative $5 million endowment to support its acclaimed Signature Series programming.
This is the largest endowment received by Greenwich Library in more than 30 years, marking a pivotal moment in the Library’s history. The endowment, granted in perpetuity and provided by Greenwich residents Lynne and Richard Pasculano, underscores the enduring commitment to the advancement of culture, education and community enrichment.
Richard & Lynne Pasculano, Thomas Friedman & Ian Murray, president of the Greenwich Library Board of Trustees, at the Lynne and Richard Pasculano Signature Series at Greenwich Library. Photo credit Cheryl Moss.
The Greenwich Library Signature Series, which features four headline events annually, brings world-class speakers and thought leaders to the community to address topics of global significance. The 2025 season launched on February 20 with Pulitzer Prize- winning journalist and author Thomas Friedman, who offered a timely and powerful discussion about global affairs in today’s rapidly changing world. A reception for Library supporters preceded the event, during which the Pasculano endowment was announced publicly, as well as a name change of the Signature Series to the Lynne and Richard Pasculano Signature Series. The endowment was also publicly announced at the start of the evening program.
This historic gift highlights Greenwich Library’s role as a dynamic community hub, reflecting its evolution beyond traditional book collections to serve as a center for lifelong learning, innovative programming and civic engagement.
The Library offers more than 2,200 programs annually, including author talks, children’s early literacy programming, technology, entrepreneurship and investing programs, book groups, business services, meeting spaces, and even an innovation lab with 3D printing and robotics workshops.
Greenwich Library is number one in the state of Connecticut in total circulation and also supports a robust digital collection, with 50% of its collection available in digital format to meet the demands of a modern and connected community.
“This endowment ensures that the Greenwich Library’s Signature Series will continue to inspire and engage our community for generations to come,” said Joseph Williams, director of Greenwich Library in the release. “We are deeply grateful to Lynne and Richard Pasculano for their generosity and vision. Their gift underscores the changing role of libraries as cultural and educational cornerstones of society, and it allows us to expand our mission of fostering thoughtful discourse and discovery and continue it for generations to come.”
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Lynne and Richard Pasculano are longtime philanthropists and supporters of education and the arts, with significant contributions to institutions such as the New York Public Library and the Lincoln Center. Their dedication to Greenwich Library reflects their belief in the transformative power of libraries as community anchors, fostering access, innovation and engagement for all.
“We are deeply committed to the amazing programs that Greenwich Library and its staff bring to the community,” said Lynne Pasculano. “Supporting the Library’s premier Signature Series with this endowment means that the Library will be able to continue to bring in incredible thought leaders who encourage important conversations on our world for many years to come. We are proud to support Greenwich Library and put these funds to use that will benefit the whole community.”
The Pasculano endowment aligns with the Library’s Reimagine project, a major 18- month renovation completed in 2021 that modernized spaces to support expanded programming and serve evolving community needs. Part of the renovation was a thoroughly and thoughtfully remodeled Berkley Theater, where the Signature Series programming is held. It was also through the Reimagine project that the Signature Series was born and is a major factor for bringing in some of the world’s most creative thinkers to discuss current events, world affairs, climate and ecology, and other popular topics such as media, culinary and pop culture.
Past Signature Series events included Doris Kearns Goodwin, Indra Nooyi, Mark Bittman, Tina Brown, Fareed Zakaria, Pete McBride, Jon Meacham, Melissa Clark, and other notable authors.
The Greenwich Library Signature Series has been offered to community members at no charge due to the generous support of the Greenwich Library Board of Trustees and now will continue through the support of the Pasculanos.
Greenwich Library has consistently set the standard of excellence with its large collections, extensive programs and record-breaking attendance numbers. It is recognized and respected as a model for libraries nationwide. As the number one most visited library in Connecticut, Greenwich Library exemplifies how libraries are redefining
their roles in the 21st century.
“This endowment is not only a vote of confidence in our Signature Series but a
validation of our libraries’ critical role in our community,” Williams said. “Libraries are places of connection, discovery, and learning and we’re proud to lead the way.”
For more information about Greenwich Library, the Signature Series and its programs and services, please visit greenwichlibrary.org .
The Greenwich Library system consists of the Main Library and its Byram Shubert and Cos Cob branches. The mission of Greenwich Library is to provide exceptional resources, programs and services that promote the joy of lifelong learning and discovery, and to offer a welcoming place to gather and share experiences. With 1,800 programs and events per year, the Library seeks to serve as the cultural and intellectual crossroads of the community. Greenwich Library’s circulation is among the highest of public libraries in Connecticut and has been named a five-star library by Library Journal for 11 of the past 12 years for the high number of patron visits, circulation, use of public computers and program attendance.