Be Part of Our Story: Sydne & Allan Bortel

Sydne and Allan Bortel, long time friends and supporters of the Library, shared a bit about their life in Tiburon and why they made a Leadership Gift to the Library. Allan was a Library Foundation Board Member from 2002-2006 and continues to be a member of the New Yorker Group since it started 10 years ago.

How long have you been married, lived in the Bay Area and been engaged with the Library?

Married 54 years, Bay Area 57 years. From the time when we built our Tiburon home in Reedland Woods in 1969 until the new Belvedere Tiburon Library was opened, we used the Corte Madera Library, and have been very engaged in our own Library ever since 1997.

In a few words, how do you describe the Belvedere Tiburon Library?

As close as it comes to our community center.

As part of the Capital Campaign, you made a Leadership Gift and have named the Director’s Office. Why did you choose that naming opportunity?

To underscore the importance of a good library director.

What is a favorite Belvedere Tiburon Library memory?

Many helpful conversations with (retired) reference librarian Joan Garrett.