Sno-Isle Library Foundation

And Levy August 4 

Our program on June 18 was the Sno-Isle Library Foundation. The Foundation, established in 1997, aims to expand library services, promote civic engagement, and foster lifelong learning. It supports programs like the Third Graders Reach Together, which engaged 87 schools and 7,205 students last year. The foundation raised $2.3 million in 2022 and $3.5 million in future pledges. It expanded its board from 5 to 22 members and added two new positions. The foundation also supports digital initiatives, such as providing access to e-books and Wi-Fi. A levy lift is proposed to maintain and expand library services, including renovations and increased digital connectivity.

Presenters included the above individuals (the photos taken at the meeting were not good because of the backlight). The foundation is separate from the library district, governed by a board of directors, and aims to expand library services and promote civic engagement.

Foundation Growth and Achievements

The library district serves 800,000 people, and the foundation has implemented strategies to improve infrastructure and increase support. Highlights from the last three years include acquiring 3500 new donors, growing annual revenue from $150,000 to $1 million, and raising $2.3 million in a successful year. The foundation launched the planned giving campaign, generating $3.5 million in future commitments and expanding the board from five to 22 members. The foundation has supported various programs, including Discover Buses, online youth programs, and the Third Graders Reach Together program, which engaged 87 schools and 7,205 students last year.

Community Programs and Initiatives

The foundation supports programs like summer reading farms, which distributed 1700 prize books to participants at 15 Boys and Girls Clubs, engaging 7006 students.  It helps fund annual leases for demonstration libraries, library renovations, and pride celebrations across the district. The annual Trinity Starmark Lecture Series engages 509-100 people each year and is supported entirely by community donations. The foundation completed a project to install a beautiful blue roof at the Arlington library, funded by a $20,000 investment. Upcoming projects include the Arlington Library innovation and the new Mariner Area library community campus, with a capital campaign to support these efforts.

Levy Lift and Community Support

Board member Curtis DeClue stressed the importance of the levy lift in supporting library operations, staffing, and building renovations. The levy amount has decreased over time due to inflation and rising costs of living, and the foundation supports additional funding for digital access and collections. The levy will be on the ballot in August, and its passage is crucial for maintaining library services and expanding digital connectivity.

For more information on the upcoming levy, click HERE.