WHY DO WE HAVE A FOUNDATION?

The Pell City Library Guild Foundation Committee was formed to support the vision and mission of the Library - to educate, encourage and challenge the residents of Pell City and the surrounding area to use its ever-expanding services toward the enrichment of their lives. Our goal is to provide a free institution of life-long learning for all regardless of age, residence or socioeconomic status. A growing population with ever increasing demands for new technology, larger collections and additional programs put strains on the library resources. Members of the Library Guild felt the Foundation was a way to involve the community in their dream of continued improvement of the facility.

HOW WAS THE FOUNDATION FORMED?

In April of 1999, the Library Guild, working closely with the city government, asked fifteen committed individuals to serve on the first Foundation Committee. This group, representing all facets of our community, was determined to share the message with others that public library service is integral to lifelong learning, which is essential to the quality of life in the area. The Committee remains steadfast in their belief that this library should represent the entire population and provide the very best resources possible.

WHY CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE LIBRARY?

Pell City citizens are beginning to take great pride in their library and the changes that have taken place. The Mayor and City Council have generously begun a systematic program updating the building and grounds as well as steadily increasing the operating budget. Building the collection of a first-class library is expensive; and existing books need to be replaced as they become outdated or worn from use. All of these factors create the need for additional funding and continued upgrading of the library program.

WHY CONTRIBUTE TO THE PELL CITY LIBRARY GUILD FOUNDATION?

We need your help to provide our area with a one-of-a-kind resource that is available to our entire population. The public library is the only library available to pre-schoolers and adults. Students are able to use its services after class, on weekends and during the summer. For many, the library is their only opportunity to use a computer - and be trained in its use. Others enjoy the educational and cultural activities.

HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE?

No gift is too small to be appreciated.

You may contribute gifts of money, property or securities. You may contribute directly or through trust arrangements, bequests in wills and by naming the Foundation as beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

Restricted gifts that specify the item to be purchased will be accepted with the Library Board and Foundation Committee approval. The Pell City Library Guild, Inc. is a tax-exempt corporation under provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

ARE THERE REWARDS FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE FOUNDATION?

The biggest reward is knowing that your donation will be used to provide free public library service to so many people. - All donors will be placed on the Library Guild mailing list and will receive newsletters and other information. Appropriate recognition will be given with the permission of the donor.

TO MAKE A DONATION:

Make a check payable to: The Pell City Public Library Guild, Inc. And drop it off at the library or mail it to: The Pell City Public Library Guild, Inc. P. O. Box 1672 Pell City, AL 35125

For more information contact the library staff at: (205) 884-1015

Pell City Library Guild, Inc. Foundation Committee and Library Board

“To educate, encourage, and challenge...”

October 1, 2003 was the date of the Fifth Annual Mailing for the Pell City Library Guild Foundation. The support of the community made it possible for the Library Guild and its Foundation Committee to receive the Alabama Library Association’s Merit Award in April of 2002. We are delighted to be part of the improvement and growth at the Pell City Public Library. We are pleased at the generous response of the citizens and are proud to report that we have now spent over $102,000.00 in the Library. Additionally, we have provided the matching funds to bring another $63,400.00 in grant money to the facility. The following is a partial list of accomplishments:

• $10,000.00 worth of Accelerated Reading books for grades K through 12.
• Furniture, shelving, and computer stations when the library was refurbished.
• Additional books to bring our Reference Department up to standards.
• Magazine and newspaper subscriptions, children’s books, adult non-fiction books, books-on-tape, computer software, and large-print books.
• The grants have brought in funds for the T-1 line, Hispanic books and programs, large print books, and more computers and technology updates.

Patrons and staff alike enjoy our “new” facility.