What is a "library foundation"?
And why on earth do we need to raise money for an institution that our tax dollars pay for?!
What is a Library Foundation and How Does It Support Our Libraries?
At the heart of every vibrant community lies a strong public library system - and Memphis is no different. Libraries are essential hubs for education, culture, and community engagement - they provide access to a world of knowledge and opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds. But have you ever wondered how libraries, like your Memphis Public Libraries, continue to grow, innovate, and meet the needs of the community? This is where the role of a library foundation becomes crucial.
What is a Library Foundation?
A library foundation is a 501c3, nonprofit organization created to support and enhance the services provided by a public library system. While local governments typically fund libraries through tax dollars, these funds are often only enough to cover basic operations - think staff salaries, security, MLGW…
A funding gap is left: programs, renovations, collection enhancements, etc. A library foundation helps fill that gap by raising additional funds, advocating for the library’s importance, and securing private donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
The Fantasy Faire where you won best costume? The new addition of manga to your local branch? The book club with all the newest books and the best snacks? These programs and initiatives are partially, if not fully, funded by library foundations.
How Do Library Foundations Support Libraries?
Securing Funding for Innovation: Library foundations play a key role in securing the funding necessary to launch new programs, update technology, or expand facilities. Just this year, we’ve helped secure funding for an all-girls coding camp at Cloud901, helped update AV capabilities in several branches, and fleshed out the test kitchen at Raleigh Branch (and more). If the library staff can imagine it, we want to make it happen!
Community Engagement & Advocacy: A library foundation doesn’t just raise money; it also serves as an advocate for the library system. By engaging with the community, library foundations help educate the public and elected officials about the library’s role and importance. We’re so lucky that Mayor Paul Young is such a fan of the library, and that we’re such fans of Mayor Paul Young!
Support for Special Programs: Many of the unique, impactful programs offered by libraries—such as opportunities for entrepreneurship, lifelong learning courses, and summer reading programs—are supported or fully funded by Library Foundations. Think Podbox Festival, our Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning Classes, or Explore Memphest. These programs always draw a lot of attention and support from the community (and for good reason).
Building a Legacy of Support: Through endowments and planned giving, library foundations help build a sustainable financial future for libraries. This ensures that generations to come will benefit from free access to library resources, programs that inspire and educate, and a community that is uniquely Memphis.
Why Does This Matter for Memphis?
One of the most important and most valuable assets of the city of Memphis is its people - Memphians are the most creative, resilient, community-minded, and downright amazing citizens in the world. When we think about who we’re raising money for, we get right to the heart of the city - Memphians. Numerous entrepreneurs have launched podcasts out of Cossitt Branch’s podcasting studio, while immigrant families from all over the world excitedly sit for storytime each morning at Cordova Branch. At several branches, seniors gather for art classes focusing on painting, while teens advocate for themselves and their peers in Youth Action Councils. All of these things build a stronger Memphis by supporting the natural gifts of Memphians, all the while introducing them to new ideas and experiences.
The Memphis Library Foundation is proud to support our city’s libraries in these ways and more. From helping fund the creation of state-of-the-art facilities to sponsoring enriching programs for children and adults alike, we work tirelessly to ensure that the Memphis Public Libraries remain places where everyone in our community can learn, grow, and thrive.
But we can’t do it without you! Whether you are a library patron, advocate, or philanthropist, your support helps shape the future of our libraries. Together, we can continue to build a stronger Memphis through the power of public libraries.