Art books donated to Holland College library

By Jaclyn Crawford

Erica Rutherford never passed a book store without buying a book.

Year after year, her collection grew to hundreds.

Now, a year and a half after her death, over 300 of those books have been donated to the Holland College library.

Gail Rutherford, Erica’s life partner, said Erica used to always reference the books, but now that she’s gone no one looks at them.

“I didn’t use them, and I knew they could be put to better use,” said Rutherford.

She knew the college could use more books and gladly donated them in honor of the Erica Rutherford Estate.

Andrea Stewart, former manager of library services, was at the launch of the donated book collection. She was working at the library when the collection was first donated.

“We are greatful to Gail and her family for donating these books to Holland College,” she said.

The books will be used in programs such as fundamental arts, graphic design and video game design, but Stewart stressed they are open to all students, staff and the public.

The books are in the art section of the library and have orange stickers on their spines.