2024 Fundraising Drive

$4,649,164

Last year, we provided the equivalent of $4,649,164 worth of good and services to our communities. This value represents only that which is measurable and to which a value can be affixed. We are excited to serve our local communities and honored that you, our patrons, have validated our contributions to the community through the multitude of services used during the year.

The library is your community center, where you come to learn new skills, participate in book clubs, story times, art classes, financial literacy programs, health and wellness presentations, and cultural programs. New moms connect at baby story times; people, often facing difficult life transitions, attend events and make new friends; and readers discuss current events or their favorite new book.

We are distinct from any other institution in that our mandate is to serve the entire population’s needs, not those of any special interest. The library is the one place whose sole purpose is to educate, entertain, and inform–free of charge and free of judgment. We are often the point of contact for new residents, a place for adults to use a computer or access free WiFi and an office for business professionals and job seekers. A very dedicated team of librarians and staff consistently deliver quality service to everyone who walks through our doors. We hope you’ll join us in our mission to be a resource center that serves the diverse and changing needs of the community.

In the coming year we’d like to:

• bring more speakers and classes to our community
• provide more useful and comfortable space and furniture
• create a Library of Things
• expand our home delivery services
• add resources and collections in a variety of languages.

The Rachel Kohl Community Library is free to use; it is not free to operate.

Every physical thing you see in the library–every book, every chair, every program, and every employee–costs money. There are invisible costs as well: electronic resources, eBooks, mortgage, insurance, gas & electric, telephone, etc. All of these increase every year, just as they do at your home.

Tax-generated dollars provide close to 65% of our overall funding. Your donations make up the rest. There are many ways you can give, but here and now may be the best way. Consider any amount you give to be an investment in the future, and a gift to your children and neighbors. Your tax-deductible donation to the library, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, will go a long way towards helping us continue to thrive as a strong community resource. To make a donation, you can mail check or visit our Make a Donation page.

As always, we are deeply grateful for your support