With 23 branches, the beautiful Central Library and a robust bookmobile service, Indianapolis’ library system is one of the city’s gems. But did you know that IndyPL also has a Foundation that raises funds for Library programs? While the Library’s basic costs are covered by tax dollars, over 75 percent of Library programs are funded through donations and grants given to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
Some examples of Foundation-funded programs are:
- The Summer Reading Program, now its 100th year, encourages children and families to keep reading skills strong over the summer through a system of points and prizes
- Job Centers, which offer free computer and job training assistance to unemployed or underemployed Library patrons
- Cultural programs that entertain and inspire, including the Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture, Meet the Artists exhibit, classical music concerts and more
2019 marks the fiftieth year of the Library Foundation, which has given more than $76 million dollars to the Library over its 50 years. On February 26, the Library Foundation held a press conference with Indianapolis Colts mascot Blue, retired Indiana Fever player and current Vice President of Fever Basketball Operations Tamika Catchings, Indianapolis Indians mascot Rowdie and Indiana Pacers mascot Boomer to announce a new endowment created in honor of the Foundation’s 50th anniversary. The endowment is called the Next 50 Fund, and it is dedicated to children’s programs at the Library, to ensure that the Library Foundation can support children’s Library programs for another 50 years.
To celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, the Foundation is throwing an adults-only after-hours event at Central Library on May 3 called Cheers for 50 Years. A portion of proceeds from the event will be used for the Next 50 Fund. Since the event is benefiting children’s programs, Cheers will give adult attendees a chance to experience the breadth of children’s programming available at the Library.
The event will include:
- Playing with robots in Central Library’s Learning Curve
- Learning African drumming with Arts for Learning
- Creating art with Art With a Heart
- Meeting live animals with Hedgehog Hannah
- Irreverent story times with IndyPL librarians
- The chance to record your childhood memories of the Summer Reading Program
- Live music from the band Protocol
Tickets are currently at the early-bird price of $50, and will go up to $65 on April 12. Buy your tickets here! Tickets include snacks/appetizers, two drink tickets, parking and Library activities. Come and celebrate 50 years of the Library Foundation, and help support children’s programs for years to come!
If you have any questions about Cheers for 50 Years or would like to volunteer at the event, you can contact Emily Schnitker at 317-275-4700 or eschnitker@indyplfoundation.org.
You can give to the Next 50 Fund by visiting indyplfoundation.org/50 or texting “Next50” to 317-747-2663.
