By Reed Levitz—
MUNCIE, IN—Northwest Bank is proud to announce the expansion and relocation of the Pat Botts Free Children’s Libraries from its financial centers to thoughtfully selected community spaces across Muncie. The first new location will be the Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity office on Hoyt Avenue, a fitting tribute to Pat Botts’ lifelong dedication to service, education, and community development.
Pat had a heart for Habitat’s mission, making this placement a meaningful first step in the library’s broader reach.
A passionate advocate for literacy, Pat believed in the power of reading to transform lives. The libraries bearing his name have long supported Northwest Bank’s community engagement, offering a “take a book, leave a book” model.
“Pat Botts was passionate about making education accessible to all,” said Reed Levitz, Director of Retail Banking for the Indiana Market at Northwest Bank. “By relocating these libraries into more convenient spaces, we’re extending his mission and reaching more families where they live, learn, and play.”
Additional locations will be announced in the coming weeks, selected based on accessibility and community need.
“You could find Pat helping a client change a flat tire in his suit and tie one day, helping with a Habitat project the next, and the following day at a board meeting asking challenging questions and driving the organization forward through his thoughtful process”. said Lindsey Arthur, CEO of Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity. “Pat served people because it was the right thing to do, and it has been our honor to help continue Pat’s legacy at Muncie Habitat. We are thrilled for the opportunity to house the Pat Botts Free Children’s Library at our home office, and to continue building alongside Pat’s friends and colleagues in his memory”.
This initiative complements Northwest Bank’s broader commitment to community development, including its sponsorship of the upcoming Women’s Build with Muncie Habitat for Humanity on October 18, 2025. The build honors Pat’s legacy by empowering women to lead in service and construction, while supporting families in need of safe, affordable housing.
“My family would like to thank Reed, Lindsey, and Northwest Bank for expanding the reach of the Pat Botts Free Libraries”, Jane Botts said. “While Pat would not want any focus on him, he would be thrilled to be associated with a program that provides easy access to books, promotes childhood literacy, and encourages a lifelong love of reading.”
Northwest Bank thanks its customers and community partners for helping keep Pat Botts’ legacy alive.
About Northwest Bank
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Northwest Bancshares, Inc. is the bank holding company of Northwest Bank. Founded in 1896, Northwest Bank is a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, as well as employee benefits and wealth management services
Currently, Northwest operates 151 full-service financial centers and 10 drive-up locations across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Indiana. Northwest Bancshares, Inc.’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NWBI”). Additional information regarding Northwest Bancshares, Inc. and Northwest Bank can be accessed online at www.northwest.bank.
