Louisville Free Public Library Foundation

In fy23, the Library Foundation provided 1.1 million in direct program support for the Louisville Free Public Library (lfpl), which offers Free, year-round programs and resources at 17 Library locations. Ongoing programs that are underwritten, in part, by the Library Foundation range from early childhood education programs (storytime, 1000 books before kindergarten challenge, etc.) To act/sat preparation for teens, to adult book discussion groups, author events, short courses on a variety of topics, immigrant services such as citizenship study groups and english conversation clubs, and workforce development tools and resources. With the support of the Library Foundation, lfpl offered annual events that included the how-to festival, summer reading, and the "books and brews" adult winter reading program. Patrons also had Free access to computers, internet, and lfpl's online resources, including educational platforms such as linkedin learning and treehouse (an online platform with website and coding classes). In fy23, the Library Foundation successfully granted funds to the lfpl allowing them to: "purchase and give away 36,990 books with diverse themes to more than 36,440 toddlers and their parents/caregivers through outreach in underserved neighborhoods via the children's bookmobile and book bike. " Host the second year of the "once upon an orchestra," a unique partnership between the Louisville orchestra and lfpl that brought Free, literacy-themed orchestra performances to 1,436 children at all 17 Library branches. The program was so popular that families were turned away at several branches due to lack of space " implement the 2023 summer reading program, which helped 41,934 youth read 386,272 books and engage in 1,239 programs provided by librarians for families across the lfpl system. " The Library Foundation premiered its signature civic engagement and community advocacy event, "a night at the Library," on april 14, 2023, at the main Library in downtown Louisville. 250 of Louisville's top influencers, philanthropists, thought leaders, and Library advocates gathered to discuss and promote the far-reaching social and economic impact of lfpl while raising funds to assist the Library Foundation's work in supporting lfpl's initiatives. The event featured an educational discussion by sociologist eric klinenberg, the celebrated author of "palaces for the people." In addition to supporting Library programming, the Library Foundation initiated comprehensive advocacy and engagement with elected officials, local citizens, and businesses to educate and inform them about the resources and many Free services offered at the lfpl.