The Impact

All Ages Programming

The ACPL Foundation fund raises the entire ACPL programming budget. Here are just a few of the programs you help fund.

Library Collection/Materials

While the Friends of the Library predominantly fund the library’s collection, this area is still an important focus for the ACPL Foundation. The library runs on a materials budget of approximately $60,000-$80,000 each fiscal year. Initially, this may seem like a large budget. In fact, for a library of our size, it is incredibly low.

What does this mean for the library’s collection? It means our librarians are incredibly savvy, using creative ways to combat the rising costs of periodicals, books, music, movies, and games. ACPL works diligently to make each dollar count so you can be provided with the most recent materials and a wide selection of items.

Donations to the ACPL Foundation make it possible for each member of our community to have access to free materials. Your financial help in this area encourages lifelong learning, puts books in the hands of our youngest patrons, and provides education and entertainment to all ages.

Technology

The ACPL Foundation provides support for technology projects, as needed. Funds from the ACPLF have also been used for staff technology to allow the library team to better facilitate programs and stay up-to-date on continuing education. Major technology updates have been another priority. Most recently, the ACPL Foundation received grant funding to provide tablets and Kindles for library use.

Building Maintenance/Improvements

 The library and the ACPL Foundation are always on the lookout for creative ways to make the current building work well for patrons.

Past donations to the ACPL Foundation helped with the following building projects:

• Installing air conditioning, new carpet, and ADA compliant doors
• Updating furniture and exterior spaces
• Assisting in the repaving of the parking lot
• Renovating the library meeting room and historic Wyoming Room
• Purchasing a new book/media drop

While these large capital projects are important, the basic building maintenance needs are equally, if not more important. The library regularly needs funding to make small repairs, to purchase building equipment, and to be prepared for problems. Donations from our library supporters are vital to keep the building up-to-date and to keep our patrons safe.

Mini-Grant Program

The ACPL Foundation debuted its Restricted Fund Mini-Grant Program in 2018. To better address areas with a lack of funding, the mini-grant program uses these funds to address needs and projects identified by library staff.

The library’s staff are eligible to apply for funding. The mini-grant program works to facilitate professional development opportunities with staff, teaching skills such as: project management, grant writing, and problem solving. At the same time, the funded projects greatly benefit the library and the community. In 2019-2020, the ACPL Foundation oversaw three mini-grants. Keep an eye out for new board game shelving, magazine display areas, and new classics added to the library’s collection.

Learn more about ACPL Foundation Restricted Funds.

Mural Projects

In 2017, the ACPL Foundation debuted two murals in the library. Both murals were created by local artists through a collaboration with Laramie Public Art Coalition. “A Lemur’s Tale” by Favian Hernandez is located in the Children’s Area. “Do You See What I See” by Diana Baumbach is located in the non-fiction area. See these mural projects in action on our Facebook page.

Maurice Sendak Memorial Exhibition

The ACPL Foundation hosted the Maurice Sendak Memorial Exhibition at the library in 2017. This project was entirely funded by the ACPL Foundation through donations and grant funding. The ACPLF also coordinated all aspects of the exhibit. The national traveling exhibit visited one exhibit site in each state. Pictures from the event are available on the organization’s Facebook page.

Community outreach is an important part of our mission. The ACPL Foundation uses community outreach to raise awareness about the public library and to address needs in our community.

• Summer Reading Bash – The ACPL Foundation hosts a literacy celebration during the Summer Reading Program. This event is free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Are you interested in volunteering for this event? Contact us!
• Appreciation Night – Each year, we thank our donors, Friends of the Library members, library staff, and volunteers with a special night in their honor. The event is held on the members only night of the spring Friends of the Library book sale.
• Fundraisers/Other Events – Check out our upcoming events!