Saturday, April 25, 1:00-3:00pm
Did you know the library building will turn 20-years-old in November 2027? To celebrate this milestone and guide the library into its next 20 years, a group of supporters, including former board members, the Friends of the Library, and La Grange resident Steve Palmer are exploring the idea of starting a La Grange Public Library Foundation. To celebrate National Library Week and gather community input, they are hosting a Foundation information session (with food) at Stadium Club. Come learn more, share your thoughts and hear a short presentation at 2:00pm. All attendees will receive a coupon for a free book from the Friends of the Library. Registration is appreciated but not required.
What is a Library Foundation and How Can I Get Involved?
What: A committee of La Grange residents and Library supporters exploring the idea of creating a La Grange Public Library Foundation. They are hosting an information session to share their vision as well as to solicit thoughts, ideas, and expertise.
Why: While we have a vibrant Friends of the Library, they focus on accepting smaller donations and generating used book sale revenue. These funds are packaged into grants for library programs and services as determined by library staff. A Foundation, like the Friends of the Library, functions as a separate entity from the Library but with a mission to fund larger capital projects, like making building updates to meet the changing needs of patrons, rather than the Friends mission to fun smaller initiatives and collections. For example, the library has drawings to transform its lower level into a “Town Square” to benefit the entire community, but in order to begin a project of this size, without asking the taxpayers for more money, a concerted fundraising campaign is needed. A Foundation offers the opportunity for grants, planned giving, and larger donations from individuals and corporations. Many of the libraries in our area have successful Foundations which they have used to undertake larger, capital projects without asking the taxpayers to foot the bill.
Who: We are looking for anyone who loves our library to join us. All who have the desire to help our library continue to meet the needs of our amazing community are welcome. From teenagers to adults. We want you!
Where do I fit in: Here are some specific ways you can help us:
- Want to help spread the word? Sign up for our mailing list (link below) to stay informed and spread the word to everyone in your network of library lovers.
- Do you have fundraising ideas and/or background?
- Are you a professional whose services would help us get the foundation up and running and you want to donate your expertise? For example, accountants, lawyers, bankers, website designers, communications/marketing.
- Do you want to be on our party planning/social committee?
- Do you want to be a Board member and get in on the ground floor as we take this next step into the La Grange Library’s future?
Interested in learning more? Can’t join us in person? Want to sign up to stay in the know? Share your information and questions with the LGPL Foundation Exploratory Committee.