FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff invites the community to the unveiling of a memorial plaque honoring the late Gene Munger. The dedication will take place on Friday, Oct. 16, at 2 p.m. at Flagstaff Visitor Center, 1 E. Route 66. The event is open to the public.
“Thank you to the City of Flagstaff for this special dedication to Gene Munger,” said Molly Munger, Gene’s wife. “He would have been very honored by this recognition.”
Before his passing in 2023, Gene was a passionate advocate for literacy and a dedicated volunteer in Flagstaff. He read with English as a Second Language (ESL) adults through the Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County, now The Literacy Center. He also volunteered for many years reading to fourth graders at Knoles Elementary School. For Gene, volunteering was a rewarding experience that provided mutual learning.
“So many told him he made such a positive difference in their life and increased their skills and appreciation for reading,” added Munger. “And what a positive difference they made in Gene’s life, as well.”
A bronze plaque featuring a photo of Gene will now adorn a bench that provides a meaningful place for visitors to watch the trains, read, reflect, and remember this beloved community member. The bench is part of the British Phone Booth Library, a beautification project designed to promote literacy by offering free books to readers of all ages. The installation features two libraries, a larger one refashioned from a British Phone Booth, which inspired the project’s name, and a smaller library designed to accommodate accessibility needs. The libraries were created by Jake Bacon.
Guests are invited to bring a book to the dedication to add to the libraries in honor of Gene.
“The bench is a lasting tribute to Gene and honors a life well lived,” said Heidi Hansen, Economic Vitality Director. “We hope everyone who visits the British Phone Booth Library is inspired by Gene’s legacy and takes a page from his book—to share the joy of reading.”