Everyone at Johnson County Library is saddened to learn of the passing this week of our esteemed colleague, Henry J. Fortunato, Jr. Henry was the long-time Director of External Affairs for the Kansas City Public Library, and a frequent collaborator with libraries, museums and educational institutions across the region. Henry’s lively intelligence and fierce determination made him a shining light among regional library and humanities professionals, and our work is dimmed by his loss. We will strive always for our efforts to equal his example of courage, conviction and enthusiasm for learning. We offer warmest condolences to Henry’s family and to all who knew and loved him as we did.
Johnson County Library recently collaborated with Henry to produce and distribute bookmarks documenting his seminal work of local history, the Indian Creek Trails History project. These beautiful bookmarks are still available at Central Resource Library.