40 Years of Stewardship and Enrichment
In 2023, we celebrated our 40th anniversary, our ruby anniversary! For more than four decades we have worked hard to strengthen and enrich the libraries in our community. In 1983, when SAPLF was created, there were only 14 Libraries in San Antonio. Today, there are 29 branches and two Library portals. Our Libraries are treasures that must not be “hidden gems” but cultivated and shared with every resident of the Alamo City. To quote Carla Hayden, 14th Librarian of Congress: “Libraries are a cornerstone of democracy – where information is free and equally available to everyone. People tend to take that for granted, and they don’t realize what is at stake when that is put at risk.” Passing our 4oth anniversary milestone reminds us to renew our commitment to the Library Foundation, to improve our Libraries and strive for greater literacy and free information for all who live here.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Together we can make great things happen.
-
General + Monthly Giving
The Foundation knows our donors understand how critical things like rent, insurance, electricity, computers and professional development are to our mission. Unrestricted general operating funds support the “working capital” nonprofits need to sustain their day-to- day operations; these funds are flexible and adaptable. A lack of working capital can prevent organizations from making payroll and meeting basic operational needs. Become a Library Champion! Monthly giving makes a real difference, allowing the Foundation to take a planned, long-term approach. As a Library Champion, you become a steward of the Library, part of a select community ensuring that free access to books, programming and critical resources continue to meet the needs of our community. Please consider a gift to our general fund to help us continue the important work we do for San Antonio’s Libraries and citizens.
-
Annual Fund
Every year, we produce our Annual Report – a mailed piece that serves as a reminder of all the great accomplishments we achieved together for our library and for our community as a whole. With this we are able to recap programs, outreach and events that helped shape the Library and the Library Foundation’s story through the year. It is our hope to inspire continued support of these efforts and those to come. Dollars raised through the Annual Fund Campaign are essential and ensure that the Library Foundation has a healthy future while continuing to focus on outcomes and impact. Your investment will help keep us on this trajectory, and continued support at any level will make a difference. Please consider monthly giving.
-
Directed Giving
The Library has much greater need than it does funds. If we do not bring resources to these branches, the Library system will not have the funds to properly outfit the spaces with early childhood literacy and school-aged computers, interactive touch screen mondo pads for collaboration, programming, quality furniture and equipment, an ample opening day collection of books and materials, and state-of-the-art design elements. With each new branch opening, the Library Foundation provides individuals the chance to leave a legacy by offering naming opportunities and different levels of giving to certain areas within the new Library.
-
Planned Giving
You can leave a legacy with a bequest to the Library Foundation, ensuring that the work to support the Library will continue. We are happy to work with you and your financial advisors. You may also simply designate a bequest by including the following language in your will:
I bequeath to the San Antonio Public Library Foundation (Tax ID #74-2283582), a nonprofit organization located in San Antonio, TX:
-
- the sum of _________ dollars; or
-
- an amount equal to ________ percent of the net value of my estate; or
-
- all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate.
If you wish to explore planned giving, please contact Executive Director Amy Hone at amy.hone@saplf.org
-
-
Naming Opportunities
With each new branch opening or capital improvement, the Library Foundation provides individuals the chance to leave a legacy by offering naming opportunities and different levels of giving to certain areas within the new Library. If you wish to explore naming opportunities, please contact Executive Director Amy Hone at amy.hone@saplf.org
-
Bookplates
Funds raised through the bookplate campaign assist the Foundation in adding books, technology, and materials to our Library system. When you purchase one or more bookplates valued at $25 each, your name and/or the name of the person you choose to recognize will be printed on a bookplate, placed in a new book and circulated throughout the San Antonio Public Library system. Acknowledgment cards will be sent to those being honored. For those who choose to use the bookplates as a gift “in memory of,” the Foundation will send a card to the designated family member. Special Catrina Ball-themed bookplates are available each year for $100. Please see the Catrina Ball EVENTS page for the link to order.
-
Bookmark the Town!
You can be part of SAPLF’s city-wide initiative – Bookmark the Town! For a $20 donation, you can show your love of our Library and reading with a special yard sign that you can update with what YOU are currently reading. Become part of a network of readers and leaders throughout the city, sparking discussion and lively interest in your neighborhood and strengthening community one book at a time.
You can share the love with a friend or colleague with a Bookmark the Town sign, mug, or tote bag. Get everyone involved – challenge your family, friends, neighbors, book club, classroom or sports team!
Don’t forget to share a photo of your yard sign on social media #BookmarkSA or email your photo to marketing@saplf.org for us to share it on ours!