About the Foundation

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Mission

The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Foundation supports and enhances programs, services, and facilities of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, and its partnerships in lifelong learning initiatives that benefit a diverse community.

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 Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Award seeks to recognize the contributions of Indiana Authors to the literary landscape of the state and the nation. The award will be presented annually to one nationally known author, one author who is well known regionally, and one emerging author. Each winner will receive a cash prize, as well as a grant to support their hometown Indiana public library. The program will culminate with a full day of festivities held at Central Library, followed by an Award Dinner/fundraiser benefiting the Library Foundation.
• 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.
• 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

While tax dollars support basic Library services, a need exists for in-depth outreach programs. The Foundation works to support these additional programs and initiatives, making educational activities available free-of-charge to Marion County residents. This outreach plays a large role in the educational and cultural development of our city and has a wide reach.