In practice we honor most requests for transfer. Shares are issued in one name rather than two. This includes program invitations, member discounts, and use of the circulating library. Yet I notice that several married couples both own shares in their own names. More often we find that parents or grandparents with more than one child or grandchild will acquire a second share so both can bequeath a family share.
Shares also make great gifts.
In recent years we've seen a trend of one spouse acquiring an Athen um share for the other as a holiday or birthday gift. The history and profile of Athen um share holding is fascinating. It is not uncommon to hear members from other states say that they maintain their shares as a tie to their Philadelphia roots. Other members maintain their shares to help preserve the building and collections or to encourage our programs. That raises a question.