Malden's Florence Burns Honored at Library

The late Florence C. Burns, who served Malden in several capacities over a number of decades, was recently honored with a dedication of the Fireplace Reading Room in the Converse Building of the Malden Public Library.

The library was where Burns, who died at 80 years old, poured many of her efforts. She was the first woman elected to the Library's Board of Trustees in 1973 and the President from 1984-1997.

The fireplace was recently refurbished with an electric fireplace, the City of Malden said.

Mayor Gary Christenson joined Library Director Dora St. Martin, City Councillor-At-Large Debbie DeMaria, Library Trustees, Bayrd Foundation Chair, C. Henry Kezer and members of Florence’s family – her son Rick, his wife Priscilla and Florence’s two daughters Ellen Peterson and Nancy Owens, for the recent ceremony.

In addition to her service with the library, Florence was also the first woman appointed to the Malden Planning Board, where she served for 25 years, the first woman president of the Malden Chamber of Commerce, and the first woman funeral director in Malden of the Burns Funeral Home. She also actively served on many community organizations, the City said.

"Florence was a fierce advocate for the Malden Public Library," a post on the City's website said. "As a Trustee, she was instrumental in its expansion and renovation and helped to raise four million dollars for the new construction. She devoted her time, promoted all fundraisers and gave generously of both financial and personal assets."

The recent project was part of a major renovation of the Converse Memorial Building and was funded by the Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation. The iron gates were restores, the atrium dome above the Ryder Gallery was repaired, and the old lighting was replaced with LED energy efficient lights.

Photos courtesy City of Malden