Jon Sonneborn has been chosen as this year’s recipient of the Anne Lindquist Library Spirit Award, which is presented annually by the Easton Public Library Board of Trustees. The award honors a volunteer who has contributed significant time and talent to the Library. It is named for the late Anne Lindquist, who was a strong advocate for the Library. Anne was one of the supporters who were instrumental in getting the new Library built back in 1996.
Jon is a forty-year resident of Easton, where he and his wife Cleo raised their three children and participated in many community activities and initiatives. Jon served as a Board member of the Easton Public Library for ten years, with eight of those years as President.
In addition to contributing his business acumen to community endeavors (he retired in 2015 as co-founder and co-owner of Really Good Stuff, a popular catalog and website offering innovative teaching tools for elementary school teachers), Jon offers the Library community cultural engagement though his avocation as a film historian. His highly regarded Classic Films programs have been ongoing since the days when the Library was across the street, inside the Town Hall.
The current 2022-23 season focuses on film comedy. Jon engages the audience through the format he uses when he taught film history at colleges and for Road Scholar: he gives a brief introductory talk before showing each film, then follows up afterwards with questions and lively commentary.
Several years back, Jon donated his frequent flyer miles to an out-of-state author whose book was chosen as the Library’s One Book/One Town Community Read. Due to Jon’s generosity, the author was able to fly to Connecticut and give a presentation without the Library incurring any travel fees.
Since retiring from business, Jon has spent much of his time writing a documentary musical about the life of Al Jolson. In addition, he is producing a low budget western/sci-fi/comedy, and has gotten involved in several other film projects, including a documentary in development about the history of women in baseball.
Retirement has also afforded him time to purse another passion: bicycling. On many days, he can be seen riding up and down Easton hills and surrounding towns, often with Cleo.
The Library Board of Trustees will honor Jon with an Award Reception on Sunday, Nov. 13 from 1-4 p.m . in the Library Community Room. Refreshments will be served, and all are welcome to attend. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Lynn Zaffino, Library Director by email (lzaffino@eastonlibrary.org) or by phone (203-261-0134).
