Friends of the Library

Support the Menil Collection Library while gaining privileged access to the library’s holdings, in addition to receiving other exclusive benefits. A Menil membership is required to become a Friend of the Library. For more information, or to join Friends of the Library, please contact Peter Hyland, director of development, at phyland@menil.org or 713-525-9453. Alternatively, you can download a membership form, print, and submit via mail.
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The Menil Collection Library is a singular non-circulating collection of approximately 30,000 books, periodicals, and auction catalogues. Among these holdings are many volumes from the personal library of John and Dominique de Menil. The library also boasts a rare books section, housing many important works.

A significant research center to the region, the library serves qualified researchers from Houston and throughout the world. The Menil Collection Library is also an integral part of curatorial practice at the museum. The library acquires many volumes used by Menil curators as source material supporting the formation of exhibitions and special projects.

Books of this caliber and historical relevance are often costly. This is also true of contemporary catalogues raisonnés, monographs, and other heavily illustrated volumes that require expensive production methods to achieve the highest quality of image reproduction, printing, and binding. Through the Friends of the Library, you will help make these acquisitions possible and have privileged access to the library’s holdings.

Benefits of Membership

Bibliophile $100

  • Reading privileges at the Menil Collection Library
  • Subscription to quarterly Friends of the Library e-newsletter
  • Recognition in the museum’s membership bulletin Menil, Friends of the Library e‑newsletter, and on the Friends of the Library webpage

Scholar $250 – All the benefits of Bibliophile, plus…

  • Your name printed on a unique bookplate attached to one new acquisition and recognition in an online catalogue record
  • Invitation to an annual Friends of the Library event

Antiquarian $500 – All the benefits of Scholar, plus…

  • Your name printed on unique bookplates attached to four new acquisitions (five total) and recognition in online catalogue records, from a special list provided by the Head Librarian

Contributions to each level are 100% tax deductible. You must already be a current Menil member to join Friends of the Library.

Friends of the Library Members

Antiquarian Level
Anonymous
David Aylsworth and Paul Forsythe
Bettie Cartwright
Kathy and Karl Kilian
Geraldine Cahill Ordway
Louisa Stude Sarofim

Scholar Level
Doug Childers and Charlott Card
Norman and Christina Diekman
Cece and Mack Fowler
Ann and James Harithas
Paula Manning and Robert Vincent
Ginni and Richard Mithoff
George and Elizabeth Passela
Laureen Schipsi and Thomas N. Bolling
Stephanie K. Smither
Emily Leland Todd
Marietta Voglis
Clinton T. Willour

Bibliophile Level
Geraldine Aramanda
Ann Griffith Ash
W. S. Bellows Construction Corporation
Kristen and Rick Casey
Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Contreras
Nizar and Paula Djabbarah
Nora Howard
Ms. Maryhelen Jones and Dr. James Raciti
Ms. Robin Key
D. J. Krchnak
Poppi Massey
Sara and Michael McKeogh
Ms. Shelby Miller and Mr. David Courtwright
Ms. Katie O'Harra
Mr. and Mrs. Duncan E. Osborne
Mr. Saul Poscovsky
Louis H. Skidmore, Jr.
Mr. William F. Stern
Betsy Strauch and Lonnie Hoogeboom
Carol and Herman Vacca
Jill Whitten and Robert Proctor
Aline and Collie Wilson