To countless children and families at the Downers Grove Public Library, Gracie Ruyle was simply “Miss Gracie.”

Long before she worked there, DGPL was an important part of Gracie’s life as a mother. She spent many hours there with her own children, attending programs and embracing library values as part of their lives as they grew.

When Gracie joined the Kids Room in 2019, she brought that focus and enthusiasm with her. She understood the library firsthand as a place that welcomed many things she cared about: children, creativity, learning and community. Her work included leading storytimes, creating programming, crafting decorations, visiting preschools, and facilitating the library’s Girls Who Code program.

But what made Miss Gracie special went beyond what she led. She thought deeply about her work and approached it with empathy, creativity and intelligence. Most of all, she genuinely enjoyed connecting with children and gave them her full attention, helping make their time at the library welcoming and memorable.

Gracie’s coworkers knew her as dependable and pragmatic, someone they could count on and trust. The children themselves said it best, leaving notes much like this:

“Thank you Miss Gracie we love you.”

The Miss Gracie Memorial Fund honors and supports the library community Gracie loved, and forwards her work with children and families. Specific uses will be determined with care over time with the goal of creating meaningful and lasting impact in Gracie’s memory.

For those wishing to honor her work and legacy, donations can be made to the Downers Grove Public Library Foundation’s Miss Gracie Memorial Fund.

Miss Gracie Memorial Fund

Supporting the Downers Grove Public Library Kids Room, in loving memory of Grace Ruyle.