Legacy Giving

Legacy Giving San Jose Public Library Foundation FreeWill

Rose Crimi Muench’s long and deep connection to the San José Public Library began when she was a young girl and a self-described bookworm. Born and raised in San José, Rose remembers spending a lot of time at her local library checking out her beloved books. 

Rose graduated top of her class from San José High School in 1947, attended San José State University where she graduated summa cum laude in 1951, and then embarked on a long career with the city library and parks departments. 

Rose has the distinction of being one of the founding members of the San José Public Library Foundation. Inspired by Ruth Kampa, the Foundation’s first president, Rose has made arrangements to leave a legacy gift to the Foundation. Rose credits Ruth’s generous legacy gift in 1991, as helping to “put them in business.” It was just the infusion that the Foundation needed to begin its legacy of support to the San José Public Library system and lifelong learning.

Rose’s legacy gift is both generous and meaningful. It demonstrates her commitment to the community and support of San José’s libraries. Her story is a tribute to her love of books, public service, and the City of San José.

Leave A Legacy

“I’ve loved books and libraries ever since I was a little girl. The San José Public Library has played such an important part in my life that I can’t think of anything better than helping to keep the library going for future generations.”

– Rose Crimi Muench

FreeWill makes it easy to leave a legacy! Use the button below to get started.

A Gift For You And Your Future

Leave your mark on the San José Public Library by remembering us in your final wishes. So, get started on your will today and support the people and causes you love.

Did you know that the number one way to protect a child, a pet, or a loved one is by having an estate plan in place? Many people are surprised to learn this. They often think the process takes time, money, and can be uncomfortable to think about.

But what if by writing your will now, you could leave an impactful legacy and make sure that your loved ones are protected?

That’s why the San José Public Library Foundation has partnered with FreeWill to bring you an estate planning tool that you can use in the comfort of your home, completely free.

It only takes 20 minutes to write your legally valid will on their platform that has been trusted by hundreds of thousands of Americans. FreeWill’s service is easy to use, and their products are legally sound. They have an A+ accreditation with the Better Business Bureau and work with attorneys across the US to ensure quality.


Watch this short video about FreeWill and how easy it is to customize your will, or Revocable Living Trust if you live in California, to support all who seek lifelong learning at the library. 

Leave a mark on San José Public Libraries by remembering us in your final wishes. Create your legacy in a will or trust in 20 minutes and know that you help all who seek life-long learning at the library. Thank you!

Visit Freewill.com/SJPLF for peace of mind!

The San José Public Library Foundation is so grateful for the generosity and forethought of these supporters who have informed us that they have included the San José Public Library Foundation in their estate plans. Please let us know if your name is missing from this list so we  can update our records.

Rosie and Carlos Cofre

Rose Crimi Muench

Susan J. Devencenzi

Tom & Carol Langston

Trang Doan Nguyen

Andrew Boyle

Patty & Stephen Z L Tsai

Patricia & Richard Wolfe

John K. Paulson

Mitchell Stuart

Viola Yuen-Yung Quach


Learn About Tribute Gifts

A gift in someone’s name is a meaningful way to honor or memorialize a family member or a respected friend or colleague, or to mark a special occasion.

When you give a tribute gift in support of the San José Public Library, we will:

  • Place bookplate(s) recognizing your honoree in a volume from whichever library collection you select from the list below*;
  • Send a card to your honoree or whomever you designate acknowledging your generosity; and
  • Recognize your honoree on our website and in any printed materials that list tribute gifts.