DC Public Library Foundation

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

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 who can’t reach the branch in their community through bookmobiles and a high-tech “extreme mobile.” The Foundation, working through the Library, supports programs and services that are open, available, and free to all.

Why do you need my support?

We live in an age that demands that libraries reinvent themselves – as community and civic gathering places; as safe places for children to learn, study, do homework; where parents and children grow together; where old and young learn to read; where minds are challenged and hope is grown.  Libraries must serve new communities in new ways: addressing a host of social issues from literacy to technology.

A full transformation of the DC Library System is underway.  While the budget has increased recently and improvements are occurring daily, years of deferred maintenance, lack of service, and lack of materials have taken their toll. The role that the Foundation plays in securing funds to improve Library services is more critical than ever. The Foundation provides enhancements and services not provided through regular government funding channels. It allows improvements to occur faster. It makes libraries better than they would have been. Your gift provides the margin of excellence.

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 Citigroup 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 the renowned Children’s Book Illustration Collection and preserve books and files damaged in the Georgetown Library fire.  Please contact Anna Velazco at: 202-727-4943 or avelazco@dcplfoundation.org.