Dear Friends,
Not to be a downer, but the news around the world is tough right now. Every day seems to bring a new tragedy, scandal, or conflict. We’ve been through challenging times before, especially over the last few years. What I’ve learned is that the best way to confront the bad in the world is to do good.
At Denver Public Library and the Friends Foundation, we’re doing good every day, and so are you through your support.
The Library is increasing equity, providing opportunities for families and addressing resource disparities in underserved communities. It’s offering free children’s programs, which are more important than ever during the summer when school is out and in the wake of the pandemic. (Have your kids signed up for Summer of Adventure yet?) It’s expanding hours at six branches to include Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and working to grow collections to reduce wait times for popular items.
Sustainable funding dedicated to the library will help Denver Public Library do more of all of these things. On July 11, Denver City Librarian Michelle Jeske asked Denver City Council Members to place a question on the November 2022 ballot to increase the library’s funding through a 1.5 mill property tax. If City Council approves the ballot measure, we will need your help – not to mention your vote! We look forward to updating you on these efforts throughout the summer.
As supporters of the Friends Foundation, you have shown us the value of doing good, too. We celebrated your generosity on April 25 at the Reunion Breakfast at the Sam Gary Branch Library. For those of you who have given at least 10 years, we welcomed you to the Green Valley Ranch Branch Library on May 23 for the Annual Loyalty Circle Luncheon. On June 4, hundreds of you came to the newly dedicated Bob Ragland Branch Library in RiNo for food trucks, storytelling, face-painting, music, Red Chair Books pop-up sale, and more at Picnic with Friends.
Those recent events are in addition to your memberships, sponsorships, grant support, estate planning, and regular advocacy efforts on behalf of the library. You are doing good for our library, and as a result, the library is doing good for our community.
Thank you for making Denver stronger and helping to overcome bad with good.
Yours Truly,
Jeff Riley
Executive Director
Denver Public Library Friends Foundation