University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries Magazine | Page 6

UW–Madison Libraries Special Collections to Benefit
from a New Louis and Esther Kaplan Estate Fund
By Ben Strand
University of Wisconsin
Foundation, Director of
Development
UW–Madison Libraries

Long-time University of Wisconsin–Madison
Library supporters and advocates Louis and
Esther Kaplan have established an endowed
fund through a gift from their estate. Their
dynamic involvement in civic, educational,
political, and non-profit organizations
benefited Wisconsin in innumerable ways.
Their generosity in establishing this fund
serves as a legacy of their dedication to the
Wisconsin Idea.
In the profession of librarianship, Dr.
Kaplan is remembered for his role in
planning and shepherding the construction
of Memorial Library. His work built the
foundation for the UW–Madison’s collections,
and he oversaw the creation of notable
buildings including the Medical School
(Middleton) Library, the Music Library,
Steenbock Library, and College Library.
Following his tenure as Director of Libraries,
which ended in 1971, he continued his service
by teaching courses for the School of Library
and Information Studies.
Esther Kaplan received her economics
degree from UW–Madison in 1936. She was
active in numerous cult