Whatcom County Library Foundation Foundation Members: Back Row, left to right: Randy Erickson, Donna Mathews, Joan Clark, Marcie Toby, Janneth Hunter, Tom Patten. Front Row: Georgia Donovan, Candice Ambrosio, Ruth Baacke, Terry Holland Foundation News: Library Foundation receives Book Endowment Funds Foundation Grant Application

Chair: Georgia Donovan Mailing Address: Whatcom County Library Foundation 5205 Northwest Drive Bellingham, WA 98226 Phone: 360-384-3150 x 220 Email: wclf(at sign)wcls.org Staff Contact: Lizz Roberts Email: lroberts(at sign)wcls.org

Purpose
Founded in 2005, the Whatcom County Library Foundation promotes the general welfare of Whatcom County Library System. Through private funds and donations, the Foundation enhances the quality of library services as detailed in the Whatcom County Library mission and plans. In addition the Foundation promotes intellectual freedom and civil liberties as they relate to public libraries.

The Whatcom County Library System includes nine branch libraries and a mobile outreach service for Whatcom County residents. Bellingham residents have access to WCLS collections and vice-versa. WCLS provides toddler and children’s programs, book-talks with teens, and adult programming. The diverse collection of materials in a variety of formats must be maintained to meet the demands of the area’s large population growth.

Together with Friends of Library groups, which are organized in each community to promote the local branch of the library, the Foundation demonstrates local support of, and value placed on area library service.

Activities Supported by the Foundation
Begin with Books - This program was adopted by the Foundation in 2005, having previously been supported through donations to WCLS. This project provides a book, resources and support to help families of newborn infants born at St. Joseph’s Hospital make reading an important part of a child’s development from birth to six years.

Ad Campaign for Reference - Libraries offer amazing services, the trick is letting everyone out there know what is available. In 2007, WCLF funded an ad campaign to get the word out about reference services at WCLS.

Library Building Projects - the county is growing, and that means increased library use. WCLF has supported the fundraising efforts of the Deming Library and the future North Fork Regional Library.

You Can Help
The Foundation welcomes gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and estates for the general support and/or specific programs for community libraries.

Here are some devices that can be employed for donations:

• Checks: Sign, seal, and mail – the old fashioned way to
  Whatcom County Library Foundation, 5205 Northwest Rd. Bellingham, WA 98226
• Matching Gifts: Duplicate your dollars when your employers match your donation.
• Wills / Bequests: Leave a true legacy by remembering your dedication to learning
• Trusts: Earn income and tax benefits for you and your family while you give.
• Gift Annuity: Receive income from a generosity.
• Life Insurance: Perhaps an additional beneficiary could be an acceptable vehicle
• In-Kind : Gifts other than cash such as art, books or technology
• Securities: Donate stock and avoid capital gains
• Retained Real Estate: A future gift of a home or property provides a current benefit.

Visit your library! Share your ideas with us!

Corporate Sponsorships
We invite local businesses to support our mission through sponsorships of literacy outreach throughout the year. The Foundation also welcomes corporate sponsorship of reading programs, collections, and community development projects.
Our 501(c) (3) enables the Foundation to receive tax-deductible contributions.