Inspiring Early Learners, Enriching Lives, and Growing the Economy
Phoenix Public Library provides critical resources to the 5th largest city in the United States through its 17- location system. The Library has successfully transformed from being a place which hosts traditional “books on shelves” to being a vibrant, interactive, and inspiring life-long learning environment offering services for customers starting at birth.
Since 1997, the Phoenix Public Library Foundation has been the leading major gift and grant fundraising partner for Phoenix Public Library. To sustain and grow this valued and important community cornerstone of literacy, learning, and engagement, the Foundation is embarking on a comprehensive $7 million fundraising campaign. Together we will construct, expand, renovate, and reimagine welcoming spaces that are alive with innovative, hands-on learning for children and families, high school students, and community members. Priorities of the campaign include:
Children’s Place – Today’s Readers, Tomorrow’s Leaders
Children’s Place provides storytime programs for babies and toddlers, active and imaginative learning zones, and spaces that support development of maker skills related to creativity, curiosity, and discovery. All branches have dedicated areas for children ages 0-5 and their families. Due to heavy use and age, there is a need for new equipment, materials, and refurbishing. The spaces are designed for close interaction of parent/caregiver and child in early learning activities that foster brain development and pre-reading skills. Annually, over 200,000 children participate in these early reading and literacy programs.
College Depot – Everyone Should Have Education Opportunities for High School and Beyond
Phoenix Public Library’s full-service education center, College Depot, seeks to enhance its critical programming to meet the growing needs of the community. With a skilled, professional team of advisors, College Depot assists a diverse student population ranging from high school students preparing for the college application process, to adults who enroll in the accredited Career Online High School program. Since its inception in 2009, more than 20,000 individuals have received in-depth services from College Depot to achieve their dreams of advancement.
We would be delighted to host a tour of Burton Barr Central Library where you can learn more about our programs and meet some of the library leadership. Please contact Kelly Bushong, Executive Director, at kbushong@phoenixlibraryfoundation.org
or 602-262-7939.
