St. Charles Public Library Foundation

The St. Charles Public Library is an integral part of the community that has met the information and resource needs of St. Charles residents for almost 100 years. The Library's role has grown from a simple book lending service in 1906, to a multi-service library and information center using 21st century technology.

The Library is recognized for its outstanding collections and programs. Its Youth, Reference, and Special Services programs and staffs have won state-wide awards for excellence. The community's high use and support of the Library are indicative of the value residents place on it.

Philanthropy has played an important role in the Library's past, from funds for the first Library, the 1908 Carnegie building, to grants from the Norris Foundation to remodel the original 1908 facility. The St. Charles Public Library Foundation continues this tradition of philanthropy and service to the community.

The St. Charles Public Library Foundation is a nonprofit corporation established in 1993 to provide support for the Library through tax-deductible contributions.

The purpose of the Foundation is to provide funds to enhance and enrich Library programs and services.

The Board of Directors is comprised of local residents who are concerned about maintaining a quality information and lifelong learning resource for the community.

The current members are:

• Carol W. Abel: President
• Roman J. Seckel: Vice-President
• JoAnn Poole: Secretary/Treasurer
• Judi Asselborn: Friends of St. Charles Public Library
• Jon Duerr
• Philip Kessler
• Susannah Lesswing
• Diane MacNeille
• Sharon Maholland
• Pamuella Mann
• Craig Morgan, Jr.
• John Schmidt
• Robin Soderquist
• Karen S. DeVault - Library Representative

Directors Emeritus:

• Larry Maholland
• Thomas E. Rosensteel

All spending decisions and project selections are made by the Foundation Board of Directors.

Local property taxes support routine operations. The cost of electronic and routine Library services is constantly escalating. Because our goal is excellence rather than just maintenance, private giving is essential.

The Library is an accessible place where everyone can pursue the joy of reading and his or her cultural and educational experience. It is the gateway to information for all citizens. Information professionals on the Library staff serve as guides through the maze of highly specialized information resources now available.

Funds have supported projects and programs such as author and speaker series, construction of the Helen Gale Story Room in Youth Services, renovation of the Carnegie Community Room to serve as a community cultural and conference facility, and the construction and landscaping of a brick walk leading to the original main entrance. Future funds will support Library collections and cultural programs.

Yes. The Foundation accepts donations for specific projects as well as for the endowment fund.

Checks for tax deductible contributions may be made payable to the St. Charles Public Library Foundation, and sent to:

St. Charles Public Library Foundation
One South Sixth Ave.
St. Charles, IL 60174

Please consider including the St. Charles Public Library Foundation in your estate plan. For more information, please refer to the Legacy Donors brochure.

All donations are recognized. For more information, please refer to the Donor Recognition brochure.

For more information, please contact Diana Brown at 630-584-0076, ext. 228 or Email.

Add a Great Name to the Carnegie Walk at the St. Charles Public Library...Yours

You have an opportunity to become a lasting part of St. Charles Public Library history. For years to come, you and your family and friends can share the excitement of seeing your name every time you visit the Library. With a tax deductible gift, your name will join those of your friends, neighbors, and local businesses on the engraved bricks of the Carnegie Walk. Download more information.

Parking Lot Fundraising Project

The St. Charles Public Library Foundation has chosen the landscaping of the new parking lot as its latest fundraising project. The project also includes placing identification tags on many of the plants on Library property.

The donor categories include:

• Seed: Up to $50
• Leaf: $51 - $100
• Branch: $101 - $300
• Trunk: $301 - $699
• Tree (specific tree selected from plans):  $700 and up

Donations of $100 and up will be listed on a recognition plaque near the new parking lot. Donations of under $100 will be recognized on a special “tree” in the Library lobby. Tree donations will be acknowledged with individual donor plates near the trees. In addition, all donors will be mentioned in Discover Your Library, the Library newsletter. All donations are tax deductible.

Donor cards with envelopes are available in the Library lobby, or will be mailed upon request. For information about the project, please contact Diana Brown at 630-584-0076, extension 228, or email.

Watch for more information about a special event celebrating the new lot and the donors that will be held upon completion of the project.

updated 9/12