Friends sponsored events
- Author Visits
- Lincoln at the Library Lecture Series
- Gallery Exhibits
- Continuing Education for Library Staff
- Summer Learning Program
The Friends of the Allen County Public Library, a non-profit, membership organization, has a common concern for the library's expansion and participation in community life. Since 1981, the Friends of the Allen County Public Library has made significant contributions to the steady growth of the library and its services to the community.
The Friends rely on membership contributions to sustain programs and support the library. By being a member, each individual contributes to the tradition of excellence in library service that we all enjoy and appreciate. Gift memberships are available.
To become a member, click here. (This will open a secure link to our online gift processing page, hosted by our technology partner SofterWare, Inc.)
Membership Benefits
- Advanced notice of book sales, author visits, and special events.
- Behind the scenes tour of the Allen County Public Library.
- One-on-one consultation with a member of our Genealogy Center staff is offered at the $250 level and above.
- The joy of knowing that you are supporting the Allen County Public Library's mission of enriching the community through lifelong learning and discovery.
Just as a great university or college builds a strong endowment to educate future generations of students, the Allen County Public Library must create a firm financial reserve to ensure the future excellence of information services to its patrons. Looking ahead, the Allen County Public Library Foundation believes that private philanthropic dollars will be increasingly critical if the library is to remain strong and vital for those who come after us. Therefore, the Foundation has established endowment funds to receive private gifts to augment public support. Funds exist for various following areas:
- Business, Science and Technology
- Young People's Services
- Humanities
- Genealogy
- Information Technology
- Outreach Services
In the face of dramatic changes in technology and information, the library must stay on the cutting edge. Careful, innovative preparation for the future, accomplished with private and corporate financial support (specifically through a program of planned gifts) will position the Allen County Public Library as an indispensable "information superstore" serving the people of Allen County, the region, and the nation.
Planned and Capital Gifts
Planned Gifts: Through a "planned" (deferred) gift, such as a bequest through your will, you may give to the library foundation specified amounts of cash, other property, life insurance, a percentage of your overall estate, or a portion of the residue (what is left after you satisfy the needs of your beneficiaries or other charities). You may choose to designate a gift through a charitable trust. Your attorney or financial planner can assist you to create a gift best suited to your individual circumstance. Besides benefitting the library in a significant way, you receive membership in the Foundation's Second Century Society, which provides special yearly donor events and incentives. Along with these, it is possible for you to enjoy tax benefits and savings contingent upon your tax bracket, gift size, etc.
Capital (Cash) Gifts: You can make a tax-deductible contribution to the Library through an outright gift of cash, stocks, or other assets, in your name or in honor or memory of a relative or friend. A gift in any amount is welcome and is appreciated. You may specify a department, service, or branch to which your gift may be directed. Donors who make a gift of $1,000 or more have their names engraved on the Scroll of Honor located on the first floor of the main library. Recognition is also given in special publications.