Exciting news from the Seattle Public Library Foundation:
Today we are announcing that an anonymous donor has pledged $500,000 to The Seattle Public Library Foundation if we can raise a matching amount through community contributions. . . . .
The anonymous donor was especially concerned about how budget cuts would impact the community, in particular children and families who rely on Seattle’s public libraries for so much. . . . .
Our goal is to raise $500,000 to match the gift by December 31, 2010, so we can make those dollars available for Seattle’s public libraries to use by 2011. Once raised, the money will be used to help the libraries serve the community – to buy more books and resources and support free public programming.
This gift essentially doubles any donation made to the Foundation in the coming months – go to foundation.spl.org for all the details.
The servers on their website were pretty jammed up (a good sign!), so be persistent. What an excellent use of charitable dollars, although they don’t mention extending hours.
In fact, in related Library news, I see from a sign on the door that Wallingford Library (and all other branches) will open late at 1 PM on Thursday, September 30th due to an all-staff meeting. Wonder what about?
Disclaimer: I have no idea if the anonymous donor is a “Sugar Daddy” or a “Sugar Mommy”. Regardless, the offer is pretty sweet.
– Oops, commentator Mantini rightly points out that the SPL Foundation is not allowed to use funds for operating expenses. As much as we may want those doors open longer, this is not the means to achieve it. Here’s what they do fund. Thanks, Mantini!
“although they don’t mention extending hours”
I hate to be a snarky blog commenter, but is it so much to ask that Wallyhood writers do a little bit more research? A few more seconds would have yielded the fact that money donated to the SPL Foundation is not allowed to be used for operating expenses such as opening hours. SPLF uses their funds primarily for buying new materials and funding (mostly free) educational programs and events.
Hi, I just left a similar comment on the Weekend Roundup post, but another way to support the Seattle Public Library system, including our own W’hood branch, is to come to the Friends of The Seattle Public Library Book Sale this weekend. It is at Magnuson Park, Hangar in Building #30, 7400 Sand Point Way NE. Audio Visual materials (videos, CDs and audio books) in The Brig, directly east of Hangar 30. Most books are $1, and are half price on Sunday. There’s a separate section for “better” books, prints, etc. that are priced as marked.
Friday, Sept. 24, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m Special preview for members of FSPL: members may buy up to 25 items each. Memberships are $30 at the door, and are different than having a regular library card.
Saturday, Sept. 25, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Go to http://friendsofspl.org/booksale.aspx for more info.
It’s a little overwhelming when you first walk into the hangar and see all those books waiting to be taken home, but there are some great deals, including lots of popular books in hardback.
P.S. The Friends of the Seattle Public LIbrary is a grass roots org. that is a different entity from the SPL Foundation, but both orgs work to support the SPL system.
SPLF is an organization I am always happy to donate to. It’s a pleasure to give money to someplace where it will do some real, positive and tangible good.
Thanks for the heads-up!