DC Public Library Foundation

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

How do you help people in my community?

The DC Public Library has 27 branches serving every ward of the District of Columbia and performs outreach to seniors and children in DC public schools. The Foundation, working through the Library, supports programs and services that are open, available, and free to all.  In the past 14 months the system has opened 6 new libraries: outstanding beacons in their communities.  Computers have gone from 115 two years ago, to 700 today.  The library is a lifeline in these tough times for those who are unemployed, cutting costs, or seeking ways to learn new skills.

Why do you need my support?

These days the library is a survival tool!  Usage of DC libraries has increased 80% and still the demand is constant.  Lines at neighborhood libraries grow longer as more people are forced to go online to job hunt, get financial information, access health care options, research government asssiance or file their taxes. 

When times are tough families hurt.  The Foundaiton has partnered with the library on a range of innovative, cost-effective literacy programs for children and families – targeting babies and toddlers, preschoolers, and struggling readers in the summer when they are most at risk.

For families trying to economize, the library may be the only consistent source of free family entertainment and education resources – right in the neighborhood.

These are challenging times for all of us.  With your help we can keep hope and opportunity alive – right in our communities.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

The DC Public Library Foundation ensures that gifts are well managed and used for the purposes intended by donors. To that end the Foundation:

• Maintains professional accounting services through Rubino & McGeehin
• Conducts an annual audit through Larson Allen LLP
• Operates under written internal management and financial control policies
• Regularly monitors the use of restricted funds

Investments are managed by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and monitored by the Board of Directors.  The Foundation makes its financial statements available through Guidestar and publishes names of its Board of Directors and staff.  The Foundation has an accounting system that identifies and tracks all gifts and funds established for specific purposes.

The Foundation has consistently delivered clean audits and has gained a well-earned reputation as a safe and credible institution to manage donations and funds.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Yes.  The Foundation welcomes volunteers to assist with its fundraising efforts as well as identified Library projects.  Currently, volunteers are helping clean and preserve books and files damaged in the Georgetown Library fire and helping with our mailings.  Please contact Anna Velazco at: 202-727-4943 or avelazco@dcplfoundation.org..