The Kansas City Public Library shines as a light in the community because of the individuals who brighten its spaces. One of those bright lights, Donald J. Hall Sr. passed away on Sunday, October 13, at 96 years old.

Hall, son of Hallmark founder J.C. Hall and wife Elizabeth, was a business icon – he served as Hallmark’s president and CEO from 1966 until 2002 – a philanthropist, a civic and arts leader, and a great friend of the Library. 

For at least a quarter of a century, Library giving has been part of the family’s generous philanthropic legacy through the Hall Family Foundation. 

Over the years, the Halls have supported numerous Library initiatives and programs, including the Ewing Kauffman Book Fund, construction or renovation of two branches, a pandemic-era reading grant, and the Making a Great City Signature Event series. 

Making a Great City launched in 2018 to foster the healthy growth of Kansas City and examine the ways that development decisions can strengthen fiscal stability and reduce disparities in wealth across the community.

“Mr. Hall was committed to equality for all, supporting minority contractors and efforts to build business opportunity for all members of the Kansas City community,” Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement. 

The Library team extends its sympathy and support to the family and the many Kansas Citians Hall touched over the course of his long life.