Friends of Ramona Library, Town Hall receive $128,000 each from Jeanne Ghilbert Trust

Friends of Ramona Library and Ramona Town Hall have each received $128,000 from the Jeanne Ghilbert Trust.

Ghilbert, who died in 2012, was a Ramona resident.

Ramona Town Hall trustees, saying they are pleased and gratified to receive the money, are earmarking it to complete rehabilitation of the East and West wings of the 119-year-old adobe building as well as accomplish some needed maintenance in and around Town Hall and the surrounding courtyard.

“Thankful for this substantial gift, the trustees acknowledge that this is a small step toward the ultimate rehabilitation of the Town Hall, particularly the main hall, which is estimated to cost in the neighborhood of $2 million,” Trustee Robert Krysak said in a statement from the hall’s five trustees. “The trustees intend to continue aggressive fundraising and search for grants to allow the ultimate rehabilitation of the Town Hall to be completed for the benefit of the entire Ramona community.”

Before they dedicate the money to specific programs and projects, Friends of Ramona Library Board members

are asking for ideas from library staff and the community. Suggestions — large and small — are welcome and may be directed to any Friends member or to Karyn Smith, Friends president, at 760-789-1173.

Ghilbert was a longtime library volunteer and supporter, Elyse Kuhn, Friends president emeritus, said. The Friends bookstore is dedicated to her late husband, Henri Ghilbert.

Prior to her death, Ghilbert donated $250,000 toward building the new library at 1275 Main St.