#GivingTuesday 2018

Youth Services Librarian Monica LaVold at Poolside Book Break this summer. The River Falls Public Library Foundation is dedicated to supporting an engaged community, helping the River Falls Public Library create opportunities for lifelong learning, collaboration, creativity, and engagement. With more than 160,000 annual visits and more than 10,000 area residents attending programming and events each year, the Library is more relevant to the River Falls community than ever before. Thank you for supporting the River Falls Library Foundation in 2018!

Your gift helps to support library programming and services including the following: 

• Summer & Winter Reading Programs
• Gallery Exhibits & Exhibitions
• Early Literacy Offerings
• Lifelong Learning Programs & Events
• Print and Digital Collections
• New Technology and Spaces

With your help, we can support existing Library programs and services and future plans to enhance these offerings. Your donation makes a difference. Join us in creating a stronger resource for the people of River Falls.

Why our trustees support the River Falls Library Foundation:

Katie Chaffee: Foundation Membership Coordinator

I have been a library patron here in River Falls since I was old enough to ride my bike to the tiny building located on Second Street and have watched it transform over the years into the splendid facility we enjoy today.

In 2015, the River Falls Public Library was honored as “Library of the Year” by the Wisconsin Library Association. According to their selection committee, it was the “scope and outreach of the local library’s work” that cinched the award for River Falls, and the Foundation plays an important role in that. It is key to keeping our library among the very best in Wisconsin.

And all of the wonderful things the library offers are available to everyone, regardless of age or income level, at no charge. It is truly a resource and asset for the entire community.

Rita Kozak: Foundation Board Member

I come from a long line of readers.  This flyleaf page attests to the fact that books and libraries have been important in my family beginning in the early 1900s. This book, Familiar Flowers of Field and Garden, belonged to my grandfather, Louis C. Vesely, a first generation immigrant whose parents moved from Pilsen, Bohemia, to the U.S..  As noted, this was #271 in his library collection!  I support this family tradition of reading and libraries. 

Betsy Westerhaus: Foundation Board Vice-Chair

The River Falls Library Foundation partners with the River Falls Library to bring many educational opportunities to our community. Having taught literacy skills to children as an elementary school teacher, I know well how a library can contribute to life-long learning.

 Author visits, gallery exhibits like “Awkward Family Photos”, Library Mini Golf, and the Jump Start to Literacy program for families are just a few of the enjoyable, interactive events the Foundation has supported. I give to the Foundation because it helps our River Falls Library have and share its resources in ways I’ve not experienced elsewhere.

Tony Pedriana: Foundation Board Secretary

The River Falls  Public Library is the lifeblood of our city.  Not only does it enhance our ability to address cultural and educational needs, but also provides a quality space for civic organizations to meet and plan.  In addition, the RFPL has found, and is constantly on the lookout to find new and innovative ways to interweave itself throughout the community, thus bringing the library to those whose access to might otherwise be restricted.

Kay Montgomery: Foundation Board Chair

In 2002 I was elected to the River Falls Library Foundation Board. Since then I have watched the growth of the library building itself (with the completion of the library’s lower level) and the Foundation’s commitment to the staff, programming, resources, outreach to the community, and to the facility itself, increase exponentially.  I continually hear from River Falls residents, and visitors to the area, who comment to the fact that we have an outstanding facility and staff which few other communities can claim.  My personal commitment to the River Falls Library Foundation extends to my will which includes a donation to the Foundation.  Perhaps you might consider doing the same thing.

Marylin Plansky: Foundation Board Member

I support the River Falls Library Foundation because all funds raised by the Foundation directly impact educational opportunities for people in River Falls. As a retired educator, I recognize the value of education, not just for our youngest community members, but for everyone. 

In addition to supporting programs like the summer reading program for children, the Foundation supports gallery exhibitions, has purchased furniture and technology for the library, and has funded adult programs like Soup, Salad, and Science—all things that I think make a difference in our community.