YOUR PLACE YOUR INVITATION TO MAKE AN INVESTMENT IN THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT
THE TOPEKA AND SHAWNEE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
to choose “We are notthepermitted frame of our destiny. But what we put into it is ours.” Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961) Swedish Statesman and United Nations Secretary General
YOUR PLACE. STORIES YOU WANT, INFORMATION YOU NEED, CONNECTIONS YOU SEEK.
A library card is your key to a world of treasures Drawing upon a combination of public and private financial resources, the library makes its services available to all local residents. Free programs include the popular Trivia Nights as well as screenings
of classic and foreign films. Video games engage youth, book discussion groups are readily available, and special interest clubs and civic organizations make frequent use of the library’s spacious meeting rooms.
The library provides more than 2,000 programs to children and teens each year.
Help frame your library's future Whether it's a work of art or a memorable photograph, you enjoy framing objects you value and sharing your delight with others. By including the library
among your philanthropic priorities, you enable the next generations to frame memories of their own. Decide today to become part of the library's bigger picture.
We are a safe and nurturing place for children and families
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The library has a long history of providing venues for children and their caregivers to interact in a stimulating and nurturing environment. From story times to puppet
shows, families find fun things to do at our library. As children grow, the program offerings and services mature with them.
Our services reach out into the community through creative partnerships The library champions a proactive approach to outreach starting with its bookmobiles and its Red Carpet Services. Outreach efforts encompass story times for preschool children in day care and extend to senior adults, who greatly
value the regular visits of the Red Carpet staff and its bookmobile. The library partners with local school districts, with foundations and with local businesses in support of key programs and services. 2
We are your library for life We have observed that many people greatly value accessing library services throughout their lives. Services such as the Bookmobile, Red Carpet Services and Talking Books ensure that citizens who are elderly, disabled or homebound can still be kept connected to their love of books and of reading.
We celebrate and preserve our community's cultural and artistic heritage
Sherry Best, Alice C. Sabatini Gallery Director, teaches teens about surrealism.
The Alice C. Sabatini Gallery connects individuals to culture, art and artists – both modern and classic – through the photographer’s lens, the painter’s brush and the sculptor’s craft. The gallery is renowned for two national art competitions and its annual art exhibit
for children. Professional exhibits from the library’s permanent collection as well as traveling exhibits attract nearly 20,000 visitors annually. The Sabatini Art Gallery charges no admission and is home to Topeka’s oldest public art collection of nearly 5,000 items.
philanthropy has always played “Private a crucial role in expanding the gallery’s collection. We are eternally grateful that donors’ generosity has enabled important acquisitions.
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– Larry Peters, former Sabatini Gallery Director, and Barabara Waterman-Peters, artist
Caring staff members become treasured friends and their visits are eagerly anticipated. Heartfelt letters of thanks from Talking Books patrons are received frequently. Gifts from these library users and from their family members reflect the impact these services have on patrons' lives.
library has enriched my life with a “The special joy that I would surely have missed had I not made that strong connection. ” – Noelle Todd Drechsel, library advocate
Noelle Todd Drechsel and Kathy Groesbeck, Gift Planning Officer, share a special moment. MORE THAN 3,000 VISITORS WALK THROUGH THE DOORS OF THE TOPEKA AND SHAWNEE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY EVERY DAY. IT IS KNOWN AS TOPEKA’S CROWN JEWEL, BUT WE LIKE TO CONSIDER IT YOUR PLACE.
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Scarlett Fisher-Herreman, Consumer Health Librarian,
connects customers to health and wellness resources in the Health Information Neighborhood. Collection neighborhoods creatively group information on topics such as health, travel and careers.
We help to bridge the digital divide Everyone has computer and Internet access at the library. The “digital divide,” which separates those with home computer access from those without it, will never hold back members of our community who come to the library. In addition, the library
has created a digital branch library, which permits users to access library services at any time, from virtually any location. Skilled reference librarians assist customers with personal searches and facilitate inter-library loans.
We inspire trust and confidence The Library Foundation serves as the principal resource for library donors. It cultivates, solicits and acknowledges philanthropic support from individuals, businesses, organizations and foundations. It exercises attentive, sustained stewardship in relation to the gifts entrusted to its care. It is governed by a 12-member board of trustees that is reflective of the community. It has a finance committee that meets quarterly with investment managers to ensure its investment policies are being followed and that funds are being prudently managed.
It makes an annual distribution and responds to requests for financial support from the library. It receives an annual independent fiscal audit that is available upon request. It adheres to the standards of ethical fundraising endorsed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. It conducts a rigorous evaluation of its policies and procedures. It encourages appropriate community partnerships. It was founded in 1982 by the Friends of the Library.
may count on us to work hard to “You earn your trust, thereby ensuring that gifts to the library remain a sound investment. ” – Lisa D. Stubbs, Library Foundation Chair, 2008-09
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The Dr. Phillip and Betty Baker Genealogy Center in the Topeka Room offers technical assistance to both novice and experienced researchers.
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The Library Foundation is organized by the Friends of the Library 2002
Dedication of the present library building at 10th and Washburn Avenue – Topeka Public Library
Mulvane Children’s Library dedicated and operated as a branch of the Topeka Free Public Library
Extension Building at 1020 Washburn Avenue built
1996
1974
Ladies’ Library Association organized in the home of Mrs. T. L. King
1939
Topeka Library Association chartered, succeeding Ladies’ Library Association and allowing men to join
1872 1870
1953
1982
Throughout the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library's vibrant history, private philanthropy has played a vital role in creating and sustaining our library.
$23 million bond issue election is approved by city and county voters for major renovation and expansion
January 9 marks a Gala Opening with First Lady Laura Bush and design architect Michael Graves attending this special event
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First renovation of the Topeka Public Library
1999
Chevrolet Coupe and converted house trailer become the first traveling branch – 1st bookmobile 1976
Dedication of the Library on Capitol Square
1943
1883
1992
Friends of the Library officially incorporates
City and county voters approve a new library taxing district, officially changing the library’s name to the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
2008
Topeka Free Public Library succeeds Topeka Library Association
1971
Ladies’ Library opened in Keith & Myers dry goods store in Costa's Opera House
1886
PRESENT
1871
1870
Digital Branch and collection neighborhoods created as the library moves forward with its strategic plan for The Next Decade
The Library Foundation creates the Edward and Mary Wilder Society to recognize planned and deferred gifts
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What matters most to you is important to us We pay attention. Our stewardship is based on close attention to your priorities. The library and its Foundation react swiftly to emerging trends and economic challenges. A top priority is to ensure the library continues to be a safe and nurturing place for children and families. Our volunteer board of trustees helps raise funds and monitors both the Foundation’s investments and distributions. We grow with you. Generations of families have counted on our services and collections. Individuals grow with every library experience. You return the favor by donating funds to support the library's collections, programs, services, technology and facilities.
We enlighten you. Committed to lifelong learning, the library offers free opportunities to continue your education with our help or on your own. One patron recently observed, “I learn something new every day because of the library.” We provide an enduring value to the community. These days people need the library more than ever. From job-search help to leisure activities, you have many reasons for your unwavering belief in the value our library adds to our community.
of library services “Iforhavemorebeenthana recipient 50 years. The library has
played a significant and meaningful role in the lives of my children, my grandchildren and now my greatgrandchildren. I’ve always been impressed with the high level of professionalism and dedication exhibited by the staff.
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– Leo Taylor, Former Library Foundation Trustee and Chair
Red Carpet and Talking Books services bring library resources to 51 assisted living facilities and many home-bound customers.
Philanthropy that can fit your charitable goals The library has a life-long relationship with many of its patrons. Through our collections, programs, services, technology and facilities, donors have an impressive variety of choices in directing their gifts. The Library Foundation has structured a comprehensive development program that welcomes annual gifts, special gifts and legacy gifts.
Donors may designate their gifts to benefit a particular program or service. Donors who make legacy gifts to the library, The Library Foundation, or the Friends of the Library are honored with membership in the Edward and Mary Wilder Society.
Ways to give
Annual gifts – a current gift in support of immediate needs Special Gifts – a memorial, honor or other designated gift Legacy Gifts – planned and deferred gifts of assets that usually require a legal instrument 10
The Edward and Mary Wilder Society In 1999, The Library Foundation created the Wilder Society to honor the generous spirit of Edward and Mary Wilder. The Wilders and the Ladies' Library Association accomplished locally what Andrew Carnegie did for libraries nationally. The Wilders helped the Ladies' Library Association raise the funds that built the first public library in Topeka. Edward and Mary were also avid art collectors.
Their commitment to culture and philanthropy led them to donate exquisite European art objects to the library, which then became Topeka’s first public art collection. The Edward and Mary Wilder Society recognizes individuals who have remembered the library in their wills or estate plans. It unites a group of very special library friends who view the library as an indispensable community asset.
can measure the influence which “Who a good library has upon the growth
of a community? . . . it is, next to our schools, one of the most potent means of elevating and refining our society. – Edward Wilder, 1843-1905
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The efforts of Dr. Walt Menninger and his late wife Connie led to the reunion of six stained glass windows from the original 1880s library. Connie had secured five of the windows during her lifetime; the sixth returned home in 2008.
To become a Wilder Society member You may include a bequest in your will or estate plan, or add a codicil to an existing will or trust. You can do this by designating a specific amount or percentage of your estate as a charitable gift to The Library Foundation to benefit the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library.
We encourage you to consult with your legal, financial and tax advisers.
Charitable gift planning requires the assistance of qualified professionals who can structure and integrate sound personal, financial and estate planning objectives.
Important information for your legal, financial and tax advisers is below.
Charitable gifts include both revocable and irrevocable arrangements, gifts available for use at the time they are given, and gifts that will not be available until a future date.
Sample Bequest Language
The following language for a general bequest may help you and your attorney when drawing up a provision to include the library in your will or trust: I give ___ Dollars ($___) to The Library Foundation, a Kansas non-profit corporation, 1515 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604-1374 (EIN #48-0956441) to be used for its general purposes. Our legal name: “The Library Foundation” Our EIN (Tax Identification Number): 48-0956441 We are a publicly supported charity under the IRS tax code section 501 (c) (3).
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As a Wilder Society member You leave a personal legacy that inspires others. You join a community that shares your passion for the library’s mission. You enjoy the knowledge that your gift will help ensure the library’s excellence for future generations of library patrons. Enrollment is simple and there is no minimum gift amount required for membership. Any planned gift qualifies, and donors are not required to share the value of the gift. Donors may also choose to remain anonymous.
Your name will be included on the official Wilder Society Membership Registry (with your permission). This list is provided to new members who join the society. The registry list also appears in Wilder Society Tea programs. You will receive a personalized name badge to wear for events at the library as well as a lapel pin. You will enjoy becoming acquainted with other Wilder Society members who share your passion for making a difference in the lives of others with legacy gifts to benefit the library.
You will be introduced at a Wilder Society Tea hosted by The Library Foundation.
a 31-year history of employment “After with the library, I have very strong feelings about its importance to the community. I cannot imagine Topeka without its library and the significant role it plays in patrons' lives.
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– Warren Taylor, Historian and former librarian at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library Mission Statement Your place. You inspire us We see you learning new Stories you want, doing business, information you need, technology, enjoying a good book and connections you seek. connecting with friends. Our vision
You know us – and we know you. We are on your speed dial – just like your best friend. The library is part of your daily life. We’re friends on Facebook. You visit us in person and on the digital branch.
You trust us
You have important decisions to make. You come to us when you need reliable information – fast! You see the library as an essential part of your life.
You are proud of us
You share the library’s story with friends and neighbors and bring visitors here. Getting a library card is one of the first things you do when you move here. You support the library with tax dollars and donations because it’s vital to our community's future.
You think the library makes Topeka and Shawnee County a better place to live.
You can’t read enough (for us) Your library card is always in your wallet. You are reading more, checking out more, downloading more and enjoying the stories and information you need. Reading is like breathing – you gotta do it!
Our commitment
Enhance our citizens’ lives through convenient services when, where and how they need them.
Rob Banks, Deputy Director of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, and Jenifer Banks entertain at the Wilder Society Tea. 14
To you your gift is an investment. To them your gift frames their future.
When you make an undesignated gift to the library, it shows up in the most delightful ways. Young and old alike love the saltwater aquarium in the Youth Services department.
cities “Great support great libraries.” – Gina Millsap,
Executive Director, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
1515 SW 10th Avenue | Topeka, Kansas 66604-1374 | Phone 785 580-4498 | Fax 785 580-4497 foundation.tscpl.org The information in this publication is intended for educational purposes only. The Library Foundation encourages all donors to seek qualified assistance from their legal, financial and tax advisers.