Rosemary Wanko served as the beloved branch manager of the South Euclid-Lyndhurst Library for an impressive 28 years, from 1979 to 2006. Early in her tenure, she discovered that her role was about more than books—it was about stewardship of a true local treasure: the stunning Telling Mansion, which housed the library at the time. This ignited a lifelong passion for preserving and enhancing the historic building, leading her to champion major renovations and upgrades that made the library not only more functional but also ensured the mansion’s beauty would be appreciated for generations to come.

But Rosemary’s love for the Telling Mansion went beyond its walls. She poured her energy into creating imaginative, community-focused events that brought the building to life—Medieval Fairs, Halloween celebrations, speakeasy nights, and more. Her dedication not only strengthened the bond between the library and the community but also set the stage for the building’s next chapter as the Museum of American Porcelain Art, where its rich history continues to inspire visitors.

Recently, Rosemary had the joy of returning to the mansion for a private tour of the museum, reconnecting with the place she nurtured for decades and seeing firsthand how her legacy lives on.