See You at the Library TONIGHT

See my recent post about the important event at the Monona Public Library TONIGHT - Thursday February 19 from 6:30 om to 8 pm.

Library Date February 19

This is a great opportunity for our community.


Here is a Q&A about the Booked for Life Challenge Grant from Monona Library Director Demita Gerber

Details on the BOOKED FOR LIFE ENDOWMENT CHALLENGE GRANT

What is an Endowment?
An endowment is an investment that provides endless support to charitable causes. An investment in the library is an investment in the future of Monona. It’s a legacy gift that keeps on giving. It is a promise without end, made by you to your children and grandchildren, done so in generous support of your community. The Booked for Life Endowment is made possible by the Madison Community Foundation, the Monona Library Foundation, and by YOU and those others who have lived in and fully embraced all this city has had, will have and can have to offer its residents.

What is the “Booked for Life” endowment?
Booked for Life represents a special opportunity to provide one new book, or another library resource, each year in perpetuity. It is established upon receipt of a pledge or actual donation of $500. Each year a book plate will be placed in a book giving the name of the person who has donated or in whose honor or memory the donation has been made. The donor’s name will also be mentioned. This is a perfect way to honor someone in your family, or inner circle, with a donation in their name. The endowment will provide the Library with a way to supplement the annual book and materials budget and will help us maintain a strong and inviting library collection for all ages and need.

What is unique about giving this year?
Monona Library is the recipient of a one for two matching grant from the Madison Community Foundation for up to $50,000. For every two dollars received in donation this year, Madison Community Foundation will give the library an additional dollar.

How will the endowment funds be invested?
Funds will be put directly into our investment fund with the Madison Community Foundation. The Foundation has been recognized by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as one of the top 50 community foundation ranked by contribution.

Who decides what books or resource material will be purchased with the funds?
Each “Booked for Life” donor will have an opportunity to select a subject and or format
they want the library to purchase in their name. Librarians will use their expertise to decide on specific titles to purchase. Suggestions by the donor will be happily be considered.

How do we pay the donation?
Checks should be made out to the Madison Community Foundation, referring to the Monona Book Endowment Fund. You can donate on a monthly or quarterly basis. Donations can be made using credit cards, personal check, and cash as well. You can split the donation between 2009 and 2010 as long as the payment is made by March 2010.


How will I find out what has been purchased by the interest on my donation?
Each year we will send a postcard to announce the specific item purchased in your name.
In addition, “Booked for Life” donors will be recognized collectively in a beautifully designed and unique art book which will be displayed permanently in the library.

What if the level contribution is less than $500?
We most certainly welcome all contributions to the Book Endowment Fund and want you to know that the 1 for 2 matches will be available to us the entire year on every dollar we add to the fund. So please know that any amount will be appreciated and will be matched by the Madison Community Foundation. We would also like to invite you to consider extended family donations, group donations, etc. so that the group can qualify for Booked for Life. Families, a group of employees, any combination of people are most welcome to place a donation.

What happens in the future if the cost of books or resource materials exceeds the annual interest on the $500 donation?
Actually the $500 donation will amount to $750 with funds added by the matching grant from the Madison Community Foundation. We do not believe that the cost of books or resources will exceed the interest. However, if this does happen, we would need to adjust the type of material to be purchased. For instance, the Library may purchase a soft cover item, rather than a hardcover item.

Who can answer concerns or issues not addressed in this document?
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Library Director Demita Gerber at
dgerber @scls.lib.wi.us or call 608 216 7458. (Remove the space between dgerber and the @ symbol).