Mission
 2500 people visit the Central Library each day |
What brings you to Phoenix Public Library?
Children come to pick out a book and enter a new world. Teens rediscover the Library as a cool place to meet friends and do homework. Adults learn to use a computer and improve skills that help them find better jobs.
The Foundation was created in 1997 to raise money for Library programs and services. We support reading programs for children and adults, purchase computers and fund programs that help people learn to use technology, and furnish spaces that make the Library a great place to curl up with a good book.
While tax dollars keep the lights on, buildings open, and materials on the shelves, the Library can be so much more. That's what the Foundation does -- it makes a good library a great one -- with your help.
The mission of the Phoenix Public Library Foundation is to support life-long learning for a stronger community.
What We Fund
Since 1997, the Foundation has raised more than $3.5 million to support Library programs and services. This year the Phoenix Public Library will focus on literacy programs for children and workforce literacy programs for adults. These will include:
- “Catch BookBreath @ your Phoenix Public Library” – a system-wide program encouraging children to read by offering incentives for the number of books read (or for being read to for those too young to read on their own). In 2008 – the program’s sixth year, more than 35,000 children throughout Phoenix participated, with more than 6,000 children completing the program and earning all their incentives.
- Story Time - the Libray will continue offer childrens story time's check with your local branch for specific schedules.
- Teen Summer Reading 2009 – now in its 9th year over 5,000 teens will participate in programs over a nine week period. These programs engage teens in reading, cartooning, and media design. Research shows that kids who read over the summer maintain or improve their reading skills.
- Adult Work Force Literacy - In the current ecomomic down turn, programs that provide specific skills used to look for jobs are needed more than ever. In partnership with communtiy groups such as Rio Salado College's Adult Basic Education program and Literacy Volunteers of America, the Library will offer classes in GED preparation, ESL, computer skills and resume writing.
Board of Directors
2010 Board of Directors
Karen Abraham, Honorary Director
Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Rob Antoniak
Arizona Public Service Company
Joshua Aylesworth, Vice President
Wells Fargo
Susan Doria
Community Member
Mark Donnelly
Donnelly Marketing
Shawn Dralle
RBC Capital Markets
Laura Eichelsderfer
Apollo Group, Inc.
Melanie Hanson
Target Corporation
Kerri Harlow
iGo, Inc.
David Howell, Honorary Director
Wells
Yvonne Hunter, Honorary Director
Arizona Public Service Company
Dianne James, Secretary/Treasurer
National Bank of
Chuck Kelly
State Farm Insurance Agency
Heidi Kimball, Immediate Past President
Robert Kress
Fender
Stephen Lenn
Capital Strategies, Inc.
Laura Lo Bianco
Fennemore Craig
Shannon Overcash
Osborn Maledon
Danielle Viola, President
Snell & Wilmer
Toni Garvey, Ex-Officio
City Librarian