The future of the Paul S. Sarbanes Library at Schumaker Pond continues to take shape, thanks to the many generous donations of many valued community members. Today we highlight the contribution from George Demko, who has given $10,000 in honor of his late wife, Joan Demko.
George Demko has been a key part of the Wicomico County community for the past 35 years, since he first moved to the area with his wife, Joan. Over the years he has served as Director of the Microbiology Laboratory at Peninsula General Hospital and adjunct instructor of Medical Technology at Salisbury State College, taught English as a Second Language in various public schools in both Cecil and Wicomico Counties. He has long believed in the vital importance of libraries as part of their communities, and he also served on the Wicomico Public Library’s Board of Trustees.
“When we moved to Salisbury over 50 years ago, Joan was disappointed by the absence of a quality bookstore, so she decided to open one in Court Plaza, near our home,” Demko said. “Although it was a lot of work, especially for a mother with young kids, she loved it, and it became a valuable cultural asset for the neighborhood. It’s my hope that the new library will serve the same purpose for the whole county.”
We certainly share in that hope and, thanks to generous donations from people like George Demko, we’re eager to welcome the next great chapter for Wicomico Public Library.