Friends Sponsored Projects
- Author Visits
- Lincoln at the Library Lecture Series
- Gallery Exhibits
- Continuing Education for Library Staff
- Summer Learning Program
- Prairie Wildflower Garden - Tecumseh Branch
- Flower & Vegetable Garden - Hessen Cassel Branch
- Aquariums in Children’s Section – Main Branch
The purpose of the Friends of the Library is to support and promote the Allen County Public Library and assist the library in carrying out its mission. 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.)
Our Board
Michael Horton
President
Vernell Fettig
Board Member
Elizabeth Frederick
Secretary
Thomas Wooding
Treasurer
Jim Williams
ACPL Library Trustee
Susan Baier
Executive Director ACPL
Amy Acree
Board Member
Elizabeth Bushnell
Board Member
Alan Grinsfelder
Board Member
Lisa Worrell
Board Member
Kathie Sessions
Board Member
The ACPL Foundation is a separate legal entity formed for the purpose of enhancing and expanding library programs and services. Its primary function is to secure financial and in-kind donations for programs, services, and capital projects. The ACPL Foundation offers donors a familiar and reliable vehicle for tax-deductible contributions in support of the Allen County Public Library.
The Foundation’s first major fundraising effort was the National Endowment for the Humanities “Legacy of Knowledge” campaign in 1987, which raised more than $1,000,000 from area individuals, businesses, and corporations to match an NEH challenge grant of $300,000. These funds created an endowment that produces income to buy books and other library materials in the humanities, a subject area in which the library has traditionally taken the lead.
In 1995 a major capital gift was received from Sallie Wilkens Rowland of Indianapolis, creating the Cleo O. Wilkins Collection of Indiana Primary Source Documents for the Historical Genealogy department. Also, in the fall of 1995, the Foundation created the Genealogy Endowment Fund. In 2008, the Foundation received a $10 million endowment from the Edward D and Ione Auer Foundation that will be paid in yearly increments of $1 million.
Our Audio Reading Service reaches over 80,000 people who are print-disabled through our 24/7 special radio broadcast. Over 125 volunteers come to our studio regularly to read newspapers, obituaries, grocery ads, magazines, short stories, histories, and public service announcements.
Our listeners gain access to information and a connection to local activities and services because of our broadcasts. Whether our users access our service via shortwave radios, online streaming, or podcasts, our service is free to the public. We provide radios free of charge for use in homes and also collaborate with local hospitals and nursing homes to provide this service to their patients.
We invite you to take this opportunity to support the Allen County Public Library through a donation to the ACPL Foundation.
Our Board
Richard E. Beck
Board Chairperson
Susan Johnson
Board Secretary
Stan Richard
Board Member
Michael Horton
Treasurer
Kent Castleman
Board Member
Stephen Chapman
Board Member
Madelane Elston
Board Member
Jonathan Hancock
Board Member
Zach Higgins
Assistant Treasurer
Davyd Jones
Board Member
Dr. Dara Spearman
Board Member
Reneta Thurairatnam
Board Member
Lisa Worrell
Board Member
Kathryn Roudebush
Board Member