The Library Foundation's endowments and funds provide an ongoing source of revenue for the Library's collections and programs, while offering an easy way for you to direct your donations to specific areas.
The Library is a leader in early literacy and school readiness programs. Racing to Read was adopted by the Missouri State Library as the state model. It provides families with information, resources and play-based experiences critical to reading skills. The Library conducts approximately 1,000 storytimes in its 10 branches each year, reaching more than 25,400 people. This fund honors former Executive Director Annie Busch.
The HLW Big John Locomotive that chugs along suspended tracks above the Children's Department at the Library Station has delighted children and adults for years. The push button on/off switch provides lessons in cause and effect. And who doesn't like to run a train? Your donation to this fund will help with maintenance and replacement parts.
An important piece of the Library's mission is to support the arts. We're committed to offering concerts, art exhibits, author talks, educational programs and cultural opportunities to everyone at no additional cost. If you believe art enriches lives and creates a better society, consider supporting this fund.
David Patillo, Information Technology Director, served the Springfield-Greene County Library District for over 27 years. He worked tirelessly to create a team that kept the library up-to-date with the latest in library technology. He kept our network safe and secure for staff and patrons alike. He always knew about the most innovative technologies for libraries and whether or not they were right for our District. This endowment in his memory will make sure that the Library District will continue to be able to fund innovative technologies in the future.
Support sustainable gardening through a donation to the Heirloom Seed Library, available at the Library Station, Midtown Carnegie Branch Library and Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library. Library users can choose from a variety of certified vegetable, herb and flower heirloom seeds to borrow with their Springfield-Greene County Library District card, then return seeds after harvest to share with others. This program is growing in popularity and we want to be sure there are plenty of seeds for everyone who wants to plant at home or contribute to a community garden.
This unrestricted fund provides annual income for purchases or patron services. The Republic Branch Library received new computers through the first distribution. Unrestricted funds give the Library flexibility to direct money where it's needed most. The fund was established in 2017 through a generous estate gift from Ursula Marie Laton.
Keeping the Library's 10 branches, the Mobile Library and Library Express West stocked with current and complete materials is a big job. The Library has expanded its holdings to more than 550,000 items—which includes audiobooks, compact discs, DVDs and toys as well as books. Help us stock the stacks!
Help us take library programs and services to those who cannot come to us. The Mobile Library is a state-of-the-art bookmobile that delivers books, music, movies and more to 24 neighborhoods in Springfield and Greene County each week. Thanks to the Walking Books program, library patrons who cannot easily travel to a library branch due to physical limitations can get library materials delivered to their homes once a month.
Local History & Genealogy is dedicated to preserving the rich history and culture of the Ozarks by collecting and archiving historical items integral to telling the story of the region—letters, photographs and artifacts—and sharing those stories with you through physical and digital collections, dynamic exhibits hosting history presenters, and providing educationally enriching programs. Contributing to this endowment preserves the history of the Ozarks.
Create your own legacy through a Named Endowment of $10,000 or more. Named Endowments are a wonderful way for your story to continue. Announce your passion for a favorite program or library branch while establishing a forever gift that will consistently produce income. For more information, contact Gay Wilson, Development Director of the Springfield-Greene Library District, at 417-616-0586 or at foundation@thelibrary.org.
