District of Columbia Public Library Foundation

Supports and enhances DC Public Libraries by providing critical programs, services, materials and equipment not otherwise available to the library, with special emphasis on children and literacy.

Why do we exist?

The District of Columbia Public Library Foundation (DCPLF) is a private, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that raises private funds to provide resources to the District of Columbia Public Library System not possible through government funding.  The DCPLF provides resources and programs that promote, in all community members, literacy and a thirst for knowledge.  

The library is the only place providing free, equal and comprehensive access to information and resources.

What have you accomplished?

Here are just a few of the many accomplishments our donors have made possible:

• Served over 33,000 children and teens in Summer Reading programs – the highest enrollment in the entire metropolitan area
• Partnered with Whole Foods Markets to enhance children’s spaces in 5 interim libraries
• Created a Chess League at 8 library branches in disadvantaged neighborhoods
• Partnered with the Washington National Opera to bring free opera performances to all 26 library branches.  Over 4,500 children were exposed to opera – most for the first time
• Hosted bilingual theater and poetry events for over 1,200 DC schoolchildren and their families
• Created a “Preschool Breakfast Club” where children and their parents receive a free breakfast, story  time, and information on the importance of reading to children
• Raised over $111,000 toward the restoration of the Georgetown Neighborhood Library
• Assisted in the makeover of the Southeast Branch Library

	How do you help people in my community?		Why do you need my support?
	How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?		Can I Volunteer? How?