Supporting the Springfield-Greene County Library District was enough for Jewell Schweitzer. She didn’t seek notoriety. Members of The Library Foundation at the time say Jewell had to be convinced to add her name to the Brentwood Branch Library.
Jewell Schweitzer, who died on April 4, 2018, at the age of 97, was instrumental in the renovation of the Brentwood Branch Library. She donated $1.2 million to the ReNew Brentwood Capital Campaign. The renovation added a 1,500-square-foot reading room; a media room; two conference rooms; cyber bar; larger children’s department; dedicated teen space; built-in power sources and USB ports for portable devices and a drive-through service window.
Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library reopened on January 7, 2017, and Jewell was there to cut the ribbon. Patrons still rave about the improvements. Jewell, always quiet and humble about her generosity, was pleased with the namesake in the end because she truly loved the Library. Although it was easier for her to say “Yes” to donating money than to allow any kind of publicity, the Library is honored to carry on her name and her passion.
