Sallyn [pronounced Sählyn] Pajcic is the chair of the board of directors for the Jacksonville Public Library Foundation, which was established 1986.
HOW DID SHE
GET INVOLVED?
“I had gone to work for Barnett. Through Much Ado About Books [the bank was a corporate sponsor], I became aware of the foundation. I was approached about helping the foundation.”
WHY GET INVOLVED?
“I’ve had a general interest in libraries since I was a child. I would ride my bike to the library every Saturday. To me, they were magical places. Books are important; they’re part of the whole educational institution. They are a supplement to our schools. That is why I’m so excited about where we are with the library.”
HOW HAVE LIBRARIES CHANGED FOR HER?
“The libraries of today are so different from the libraries of my generation. Back then, you went to get books. You didn’t go to check out a video or an audio cassette or to get on the computer. Clubs didn’t meet there. They’ve really become more like community centers.”
ARE BOOKS BECOMING A THING OF THE PAST?
“People say that with the Internet, there is not a need for libraries, but I disagree. There are so many resources there to access and not everyone has a computer. Libraries serve a very important role. There’s something about being in that environment that I don’t think will ever go away. I don’t think the Internet will ever replace the feel of a book.”
WHAT DOES SHE
DO AS CHAIR?
“Conduct meetings, like any other chairman. As we set the business agenda for the foundation, we must come to a consensus to advance the business of the foundation. The business revolves around raising money.”
WHAT GROUPS ARE TARGETED?
“For the annual campaign, we talk primarily to individuals. For Much Ado About Books, we talk primarily to corporations. Leave a Legacy planned giving programs target attorneys, CPAs — those who guide people in their investments and offer clients options.” Ongoing is a $16 million campaign to support the long-term well-being of the library through the creation of an endowment for library collections and programs.
WHAT’S MOST REWARDING ABOUT HER WORK?
“Knowing we’re effecting a difference. I feel like we’re helping the library. I like to think that means we’re helping a new generation of readers.”
WHAT CHALLENGES
DOES SHE FACE?
“Raising money is not a lot of fun. It’s hard work but we do it because we believe in the library. People love libraries. It’s not hard to believe it’s worth giving money to. But because we are tax-supported, we have to explain to the community why we’re raising money. When people understand what an endowment is, it’s not hard. Probably the hardest thing to communicate is what an endowment is; that it’s money invested and drawn upon year after year to make contributions work for you long term. You spend the interest and maintain the principal.”
WHY DOES THE LIBRARY NEED FUNDRAISERS?
“The City develops an annual budget for the library to operate effectively. Fundraising groups help to supplement that. The Better Jacksonville Plan targeted $95 million for the new Main Library. The money the foundation raises will be used to enhance where needed. It’s an extra pot of cash to take things to the next level.”
COMPETING WITH LIBRARIES IN
LARGER CITIES
“I don’t compare us to other libraries in the country. We’re all unique. We want collections that are so strong that everyone will want to access them. We want to ensure it’s the best library it can be. There are new branches planned and renovations to older ones. Plus, from year to year, the needs of the community may change. We can help in areas of unanticipated need. The founders of the foundation wanted to be sure the library would continue. We are building an endowment where the funds will be invested.
WHAT OTHER
WORK HAS SHE DONE?
“When I married four years ago, I was working with Mercantile Bank. I left to go to AT&T to do a corporate giving program. My first job in Jacksonville was with Jaxport.” She has also worked as the editor of Jacksonville Magazine.
EDUCATION
Pajcic earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Murray State University in Kentucky and did some graduate work at UNF.
HOMETOWN
Baltimore.
WHAT BROUGHT
HER TO TOWN?
“In South Florida, I was a technical writer. I came to Jacksonville in 1986 looking for a less congested environment. Then I went into marketing and communications. Now, I do a lot of volunteer work.”
WHO DO YOU
VOLUNTEER FOR?
“I’m on the Cultural Council board of directors and chair of the cultural services grant panel. I’m also on the board for the Women’s Giving Alliance Steering Committee and the Community Connections board. Each of these organizations have special meaning to me and I’m interested in what they do.”
PERSONAL INFO
Pajcic is the wife of attorney Gary Pajcic, who has five grown children. The couple live in the Intracoastal area, which is close enough to enjoy walks on the beach. Naturally, Pajcic enjoys reading, especially mystery novels. She has every who-done-it by author Agatha Christie. In addition, she is taking drawing classes and dabbling in home remodeling. Thai food and Alfred Hitchcock films are other favorites.
— by Monica Chamness