Memorial bench honors local library lover

by Audrey Partington

Contributing Writer

Family, friends and library staff gathered on Nov. 9 to share stories and unveil a new memorial bench in the foyer of the Olney Library in honor of long-time library patron and volunteer Barbara Lynn Kornrich.

Kornrich passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on June 22, 2023, while on vacation in Rennes, France. A celebration of her life was held several weeks later at Judean Memorial Gardens Chapel in Olney.

“She always took us to the Olney Library when we visited her,” said grandson Isaac Arnold.

“And she let us play computer games there,” added younger grandson Jonathan. Both are MCPS students.

Kornrich, who lived in Olney Square, walking distance to the library, made the sojourn often. There she tutored students in French and participants in the English Conversation Club. She joined the Olney Library Jewish Book Club when it formed in November 2014. The group continues to meet virtually.

Her neighbors, the Sudhaker family, will miss Kornrich, who shared her time, her baked goods, and always gave their son a special Advent calendar from Trader Joe’s. She insisted on paying their son to shovel the snow.

“She would track me down later at home if I refused to accept payment,” he said.

Born on Dec. 10, 1949, to Jeanne and Kenneth Kornrich, Barbara grew up in West Hartford, Conn., with her older brother Bill. At Hall High School, she took French language classes, which was the beginning of her love of all things French.

She continued her studies at Jackson College (Tufts University). A Study Abroad program in Paris was life-altering, as it was there that she met and later married Joël Arnold. Their son Jeremy was born in Rennes in 1977.

Jeremy, his wife Eleanor Choi, and two sons live in Rockville.

Barbara returned to the U.S. in 1984, settling in Maryland. She taught French to children of all ages – from toddlers in Montessori to middle- and high-schoolers in Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties.

During her 30-year teaching career, she shared her enthusiasm for and knowledge of French language, culture and customs with hundreds of students, leaving a lasting legacy. She also instilled her love of reading in her students and family.

“She always brought me books and she knew what I would like to read better than I did,” joked Isaac.

Barbara’s family reached out to Olney Library management for help in procuring a memorial bench through the county. The bench is in keeping with Montgomery County Public Libraries’ standard furniture design.

In retirement, Kornrich remained active in her synagogue, B’nai Shalom of Olney, attending Friday night services, participating in its programs and study groups, and volunteering in the kitchen.

Travel was also a passion, which she indulged with Road Scholar trips for senior travelers to places like New Zealand, and annual trips to France to visit family and friends.

“Sometimes Barbara would send me a postcard while she was traveling, said her friend, Wen-Li Lu. “I couldn’t believe she was thinking of me when she was so far away.”