Library Foundation

Mission

The mission of the River Falls Library Foundation is to support the River Falls Public Library in its efforts to enrich lives and build community by connecting people with information, ideas, spaces and opportunities while responsibly managing funds contributed to the Foundation.

About the River Falls Library Foundation

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that accepts tax deductible donations to support the River Falls Public Library. Our role is to bridge the financial gap between publicly funded library services and all the experiences library staff want to deliver to the community.

Through your generous donations, we are proud to support the following:

• Summer library programs for all ages
• Guest speakers for adults
• Youth book groups and 1000 Books Before Kindergarten
• Winter Wellness programming for adults
• Technology equipment for public use
• Big Fun Lab support

An independent nonprofit organization

The governance of Wisconsin Public Libraries is more intricate than many realize. Few are aware of the distinct roles played by the Library Board of Trustees and the Library Foundation Board of Directors. The Library Board of Trustees serves as the statutory governing body, entrusted with official oversight and decision-making responsibilities. In contrast, the Library Foundation operates as an independent nonprofit organization, offering essential financial support that extends beyond the funding provided by tax revenue.
(Click here for more information about who runs the library.)

Library Foundation Board of Directors

Board directors serve a two year term unless appointed.

• Dave Ostness, President
• Callie Trautmiller, VP
• Sarah Nelson, Treasurer
• Alyce Jacobs, Secretary
• Jake Armerding
• Jacquelin Hughes
• Linda Jacobson
• Rita Kozak
• Gabe Olson-Jenson
• Linda Vivoda-Sadee

Tanya Misselt
(Library Director, Ex-Officio)

2025 meetings

• January 29 (Agenda – Minutes)
• February 26
• March 25
• April 30
• May 28
• June 25
• July 30
• August 27
• September 24
• October 28
• December 3

2024 Minutes

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• August
• September
• October
• December

Newsletters

Inside Story

• Volume 7
• Volume 6
• Volume 5
• Volume 4
• Volume 3
• Volume 2
• Volume 1

Become a Member

We welcome you to become a member of the foundation. Here are a few details:

• Membership is $10 annually. You can give an additional donation with your annual membership.
• Membership is for a rolling 12-months. This means that if you donate in March 2025, your voting membership lasts through February 2026. You will receive an email reminder to renew your membership, if you provide your email address.
• All adult members in good standing have annual voting privileges.

You can print and mail in your membership by using the form below.
Membership forms are also available at the library.

History and Documents

Brief History

The River Falls Library Foundation was established on May 15, 1989 and has been instrumental in raising funds for the library as we know it today, which opened its doors in 1997. Other major building projects supported by the Foundation include:

• Completion of the lower level in 2003
• Addition of the solarium and remodeling of the computer room, history room, study rooms, board room and media area in 2009
• Installation of the electronic sign in 2013

Capital Campaign Committee training – click here