Dr. William G. Rusch

ASHVILLE – The Ashville Library recently received a donation of local history books due to the assistance of library volunteer Sharon Rusch.

Rusch’s brother-in-law, the late Dr. William G. Rusch, late of New York City, was born in Buffalo. After receiving his doctorate from Oxford University, he taught at Yale, Princeton and other institutions, authored and edited many books and articles. He was a Lutheran pastor who was involved in the ecumenical movement of the wider church.

Dr. Rusch had a summer home on the lake and enjoyed Chautauqua County for many years. A natural scholar, Rusch was known to discover a subject interest and delve deeply into collections. Upon his passing in January 2025, Sharon and Harvey Rusch approached Ashville Library Director Kristina Benson, and arranged the donation of several boxes of material from Dr. Rusch’s extensive library.

“Several of the books were not previously available at any library in our library system,” Benson said. “They represent a true treasure for local history aficionados and for the Ashville Library. The books will be shelved in the library’s Local History area, and most will be available for check-out, as well as in-house reference.”