Library Foundation
RIVER FALLS LIBRARY FOUNDATION MISSION STATEMENT
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.
Approved May 8, 2019
What is the Library Foundation?
The River Falls Library Foundation was established in the early 1990s after the Library received bequests from two estates. The Foundation’s mission 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. The Foundation also raises and distributes donations and other sums for the long-range benefit of the River Falls Public Library.
The Foundation was instrumental in raising funds for the new building and for the completion of the lower level. However, they have other ongoing projects such as summer library programs for children, adolescents and adults.
The Foundation has also granted funds for the Main Street electronic sign and for one-time purchases such as the reupholstering of the window seat in the children’s room.
The Foundation has helped fund and sponsor many popular events including classes, speakers, films, gallery exhibits, and family reading events. These activities enrich the lives of library patrons and further enhance the library’s impact on the community.
The annual Summer Library Program, which has been underwritten by the Foundation for the past decade, has been successful with hundreds of participants of all ages. Well-attended events for children are held over the course of the summer, and thousands of hours of reading are recorded.
The River Falls Library Foundation is doing important work in your community. Please consider becoming a member. The annual January 1 through December 31 membership fee is only $5.00 for individuals or $15.00 for a family. Membership forms are available in the library, or Foundation Membership Form
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE RIVER FALLS LIBRARY FOUNDATION, Inc.
- At the first meeting of the River Falls Library Foundation on May 15, 1989, the By-Laws of the Foundation were approved and ratified.
- The new River Falls Public Library opened its doors in 1997.
- The lower level was completed in 2003.
- Remodeling took place in 2009.
- The electronic sign was installed in 2013.
The River Falls Library Foundation was instrumental in helping to finance all of the above projects. Foundation funds have also been used for the following:
- Technology support
- Summer reading programs for children
- Purchase of locking display case
- Additional lighting for the downstairs gallery
- Purchase of podiums
- Presentations by speakers
- Purchase of equipment and furniture for both levels of the library
- Purchase of supplies for gallery exhibits
As we move forward, through Foundation memberships, donations and fundraising activities we will be able to help support the ongoing mission of the library programming. We will also be able to help provide a welcoming and functional space where community members can meet and learn.
LIBRARY FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS
- Kay Montgomery (President)
- Callie Trautmiller (Vice-President)
- Sarah Nelson (Treasurer)
- Alyce Jacobs (Secretary)
- Linda Jacobson (Membership)
- Dave Ostness
- Sue Popelka
Tanya Misselt
(Library Director, Ex-Officio)
The Library Foundation Board meets on the last Wednesday of the month in January, February, March, April, May, June, August, September, October, and on the first Wednesday in December at 7:00pm.