Endowments & Funds
Whether you’re passionate about early literacy, cultural arts education, preserving Ozarks history, or any number of other things the Library does every day to make our community stronger, supporting the Library Foundation through our endowments or funds is a tangible way you can make a difference.
Annie Busch Endowment for Early Literacy
The Library conducts around 1,000 storytimes in its 10 branches each year, reaching more than 25,400 people. Help the Library remain a leader in early literacy by donating to this endowment that honors former Executive Director Annie Busch.
Big John Train Fund
This fund supports the maintenance of the HLW Big John Locomotive that chugs along suspended tracks above the Children’s Department at The Library Station.
Cultural Arts Endowment Fund
The Cultural Arts Endowment funds author performances, concerts, storytellers, and other events focused on fostering cultural awareness. If you believe art enriches lives and creates a better society, consider supporting this fund.
David Patillo Library Innovation Endowment
This endowment in memory of Information Technology Director David Patillo ensures the Library District continues to utilize the most innovative technology for providing services to library patrons.
Heirloom Seed Library Fund
The Heirloom Seed Library allows patrons to choose from a variety of certified vegetable, herb and flower heirloom seeds to “borrow”, then return seeds after harvest to share with others. Donations to this fund help the Library ensure there are plenty of seeds for everyone.
Laton Endowment Fund
This fund, established in 2017 through a generous estate gift from Ursula Marie Laton, provides flexible annual income that helps the Library direct money to where it is needed most.
Library Foundation Book Endowment Fund
This fund helps The Library build a diverse collection of books and audiobooks that meet the lifelong learning needs of our growing community.
Library Outreach Fund
Help Library Outreach take library programs and services to the homes and neighborhoods of those who cannot easily travel to a library branch.
Preserving Ozarks History Endowment
Local History & Genealogy is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and culture of the Ozarks. This endowment helps library staff with the tools needed to create physical and digital collections, dynamic exhibits, and educational programs.