Foundation and Friends report strong fundraising, new partnerships and branch programming plans

The DC Public Library Foundation reported a successful fundraising year and outlined new program partnerships and planned events.

Rob (Foundation) said the foundation closed 2024 having raised about $1,220,000 through a mix of individual donors, corporations and foundations; about 50% of contributions came from individuals. The foundation board approved a spend plan in the $1.07 million range for the coming year and said funds will support programming such as author talks, the Open Book Foundation partnership and a multi-year literacy program that will place books and materials in three east-of-the-river elementary schools.

Foundation staff described a new STEM partnership with NASCAR driver Raja Karuth and Microsoft to bring simulation-based STEM programming to libraries, with a public launch and demonstrations scheduled during the January 31 event. The foundation highlighted a five- or six-year cohort program for kindergarten through sixth grade tied to literacy supports in schools.

Federation of Friends representatives reported membership growth, increased donor activity and expanded branch activation. Robert Oliver said the Friends will meet Feb. 9 (third Wednesday of the month) and plan to advocate strongly during the library's budget and performance hearings with the Council's new human services committee. The federation noted a branch equity spending report is being prepared to help friends groups, branch managers and patrons understand local spending patterns.

Trustees and staff encouraged continued coordination among the foundation, friends groups and library leadership to support branch activation and to coordinate advocacy with Councilmember Matthew Frumin's new human services committee.