Burlington Library Gets Special Gift From Fund Honoring Local Boy

BURLINGTON, MA — A generous donation has added something special to the Burlington Public Library's children's services.

Library Director Michael Wick said the library last week unveiled a train table in the Children’s Room during a private ceremony on Wednesday. The table was established with funds from the Jackson Walsh Memorial Fund.

The fund honors Jackson Walsh, a 1-and-a-half-year-old boy who died Dec. 26, 2018, due to sudden unexplained death in childhood.

Harry and Michelle Walsh founded the Memorial Fund in their son's memory to support early stage learning experiences for Burlington-area children.

The fund also donated new furniture for the Children's Department play area.

"Play is a very important aspect of childhood development, especially when it comes to fostering a child's imagination, which we also seek to develop through reading and programming," Wick said. "The Library deeply appreciates Harry and Michelle Walsh's continued contributions to the library and to the children of Burlington, and thanks them for their generosity."

Jonathan Ota of Gunner Grey Furniture Fusion donated his time and skill to create the table, while Jason Sawtelle of BlackBeak Studios designed and painted a custom landscape flush with Burlington landmarks.

"We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has helped bring this project to fruition," Harry and Michelle Walsh said. "It came out beautifully and we hope that families and their children enjoy it."

The Jackson Walsh Memorial Fun also made a major library donation a couple years ago. The library in 2020 opened Jackson's Reading Nook, which features reading areas, furniture, a play kitchen, musical instruments, and a "castle" with some of Jackson’s favorite books.

You can contact the Jackson Walsh Memorial Fund for more information of donating.