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Centuries from Now Endowment will be Supporting our Library
 | | Carnegie Free Public Library on the corner of South Virginia and Mill Street served our area from 1904 until 1930. |
Private giving to the public library is an American tradition going back to Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Carnegie and more recently Bill Gates.Philanthropy to the public library is a way to touch many people and elevate the community through one gift. Private giving lifts the library beyond the basic tax-based supported services.
Since 2007 the public library budget has been cut more than 43%. Library branch operating hours are slashed, and staff reduced to a minimum. There is no room in the budget to buy new books and materials .
Arnie Maurins, Washoe County Library System Director said, " I am extremely grateful for the Friends support over the last five years. Library programs are available because of the Friends' donations."
Income stream from the Friends of Washoe County Library Endowment purchases books, including digital and audio books, periodicals, software, new chairs, shelves, audio visual equipment, boosts the wifi and funds the creation of a demonstration garden.The 2nd Century Endowment makes an annual disbursement available to the Friends to grant to individual county libraries for their specific needs.
When was the last time you dusted off your card and walked through your local library? Have you noticed how busy it has become?
The local library branch has always been a haven of peace and fun for young mothers and their preschool children during weekly story-time.
Today, seniors are using the libraries more to read their favorite periodicals that they stopped subscribing to in retirement. Patrons from all walks of life are lined up to use the library computer terminals or are connecting to the free wifi through their iPads and laptops. With the library operating hours reduced, people connect to the wifi and use the internet in their cars, filling the parking lots in the evenings.
The Community Foundation uses the popular free public meeting rooms inside libraries to hold our It's Your Estate workshops. Libraries provide information to local businesses and provide a safe and comfortable historical and cultural resource to all of us.
"The library is the heart and soul of the community because it carries its DNA, its history."
- Martha Gould, 2nd Century Enwoment Councill Chair
You don't have to be as wealthy as Bill Gates or as wise as Ben Franklin to help out this pillar of our civic community life. The 2nd Century Endowment was created to accept memorial gifts and bequests ( gifts from your estate that are written in your will or trust). Think of the ongoing legacy you can leave to our community by writing the 2nd Century Library Endowment into your will.
Your one-time gift will grow and give for centuries.
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South Valleys Library, built in2003 on Wedge Parkway, is one of 19 branch libraries in the Washoe County Library System. Patrons are inspired by a view of Mt. Rose. |
The forward-thinking library lovers who, years ago contributed to the endowment to provide books, would be amazed to find the books purchased with their gifts are being downloaded from the library service for tablet readers. As their original gifts grow through compound interest over time, the need they fill with its annual disbursement changes with the times.
The Friends of Washoe County Library is a 501(c)3 all volunteer organization that has over 800 members. It has been recognized by the Community Foundation for its 100% Board Giving. In addition to Board gifts to operating costs, the entire board demonstrates its committment to the endowment by making additional gifts to the fund.
Click to see specific language and to leave a bequst to the 2nd Century Endowment.
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COMMUNITY MATTERS
