The Library Foundation Marks 25 Years of Service

On September 14, 1982, a group of representatives from the Friends of the Library signed the chartering documents to create The Library Foundation. This group included Ken Alexander, Jeanne Hirschberg, Ed Podmore, Jean Saylor (deceased), C. R. “Dick” Lake (deceased), Paul Smith and Jim Marvin, the library’s executive director.
At the end of 1983, The Library Foundation had total assets under management of $37,112. By the end of 2006, that figure had risen to $5,591,138, which does not include a substantial amount pledged in planned or deferred gifts. These philanthropic resources – contributed primarily by local citizens, foundations, corporations, and organizations – have had a significant impact upon every facet of the library’s operations. These charitable gifts ensure that the library can plan on an annual distribution from The Library Foundation of between $85,000 and $100,000, much of which is designated for library materials.

Between 2000 – 2006, expenditures and distributions directly benefiting the library and its customers totaled $1,573,247. In 2006 alone, $503,678 was distributed. A significant portion of that amount came from the estate gift of Robert and Hazel Lingo. These generous donors enabled the library to renovate its annex building, located at 1020 Washburn Avenue, which houses the bookmobile department, the offices of the Kansas Library Association, and the Library Foundation.

The Library Foundation’s Board of Trustees aspires to raise $1.2 million in outright and deferred gifts in 2007. The board and staff are also working to enroll at least 12 new members into the Edward and Mary Wilder Society, which honors those individuals who have included the library in their wills or estate plans.

In the words of a former Library Foundation trustee, Lori Hutchinson, “there are very few places in Topeka where your gift touches so many lives.” Please join us in marking our 25th anniversary by making your own gift as together we create “A Library to Remember.”