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Durham Library Foundation praised as board marks 25 years; foundation announces nearly $1.2M bequest
Summary
County leaders proclaimed June 5, 2025, as Durham Library Foundation Week and foundation president and development staff highlighted more than $2 million in recent capital support and a nearly $1.2 million bequest from a retired Durham librarian to the foundation.
The Durham Board of County Commissioners recognized the Durham Library Foundation's 25th anniversary on April 28, praising the foundation's role in raising funds for library capital projects and programs.
Sarah Stevens, development officer for the Durham County Library, thanked the foundation and said, "In the 7 years that I've worked with them, I've seen $2,000,000 from capital projects, over $2,000,000 from capital projects, countless other initiatives, and library programs go right back into the community." Arthur Rogers, the foundation's president, told the board the foundation had just received its largest single gift: "She left almost $1,200,000 in her will," referring to a retired Durham County librarian, Rita Epstein.
Commissioners praised the foundation's leadership and encouraged continued philanthropic support as federal and state funding pressures create gaps for libraries and cultural institutions. The board issued a proclamation designating June 5, 2025, as Durham Library Foundation Week.
Why it matters: The foundation's fundraising and a recent large bequest are material to local library capital projects and programming, and commissioners noted the foundation will play a role if federal funding sources change.
