About the Foundation


Mission

The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that strives to enrich the lives of citizens in Marion County by supporting and enhancing the programs and activities of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library.

Why We Exist

While tax dollars support basic library expenses such as staff salaries and building upkeep, a need exists for in-depth outreach programs. All Marion County residents benefit from Library programming, but special efforts are made to reach underserved audiences. The Library’s key programs are aimed at motivating adults and children to read and become stronger readers. The Foundation works to support these initiatives, making educational activities available free-of-charge to residents of Marion County and surrounding areas.

Areas of Support

The Library Foundation raises private dollars to support programs such as :

  • The Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture, which brings a renowned author to Indianapolis for a free public forum every spring. Past speakers include Mark Vonnegut (on behalf of his father Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.), Patricia Cornwell, Marc Brown, John Irving, Louis Sachar, David McCullough, and Judy Blume.
  • The Summer Reading Program, an incentive-based reading program that encourages children to read during the summer months. With over 56,000 participants each year, this program is one of the largest of its kind in the country.
  • Call-A-Story, a 24-hour storyline that features stories read by respected community leaders. Children can access these stories by dialing 275-4444 from home or using phones provided in the branch libraries' Call-A-Story booths.
  • Branch Initiatives which are implemented by individual branch libraries to meet the diverse educational needs of their neighborhoods.
  • The OneAmerica Business Lecture, which presents national business leaders for a free public forum. Past speakers include former US Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, former Southwest Airlines CEO Howard Putnam, award-winning television journalist Bill O'Reilly, newspaper columnist George Will, personal finance expert Jane Bryant Quinn, and global marketing guru James A. Taylor.
  • Other Special Projects and Programs, such as Live Homework Help for youth, expanded outreach to daycares and preschools, special collections, and materials preservation.

Ways to Give

You can make a difference in a person’s life. Your contribution to the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation will ensure the Library has the resources it needs to meet residents’ ever-growing and ever-changing lifelong learning needs.

You can support the Library by:

For more information about how to make a contribution, please call 317-275-4700.

Library Foundation Supporters

The Library Foundation thanks all who have provided financial support for Library outreach programs. Information about major sponsors and partners can be found on the IMCPL Sponsors & Partners page.

Governance

The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation has 18 members serving on its Board of Directors.

Contact Information

The Foundation's office is located at the Library Services Center.

To contact the Foundation, call 317-275-4700 or send an e-mail.