A public library is part of the American heritage
Last Sunday, more than 250 enthusiastic citizens gathered at the Special Collections Library to launch the Albuquerque Public Library Foundation. The festive event featured guest speaker Anne Hillerman, Mayor Richard Berry, guitarist Javier Ortega and catering by Artichoke Café.
The foundation was created by a group of dedicated library patrons who believe that private gifts can augment the impact of public funding for our cherished library system. The foundation will work in conjunction with the Friends of the Library to preserve, support and enhance the programs, resources and staffing of the Albuquerque Public Library.
The Albuquerque Public Library Foundation is a 50lC3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.
We started the foundation because we know the public library is the gateway to a vibrant democracy and part of our great American heritage. In a rapidly changing world, the library provides free and reliable access to information to all people.
One only needs to have a library card and a desire to learn to access books, magazines, newspapers and the Internet.
The library is not only a building, but a safe harbor in modern life where adults and children gather to learn, think, study, read, debate ideas, find employment and build a bright future. The Albuquerque Public Library is one of the most vital institutions in the city for educating and increasing the quality of life for all citizens regardless of age, race, economic status or political leaning.
A literate society ensures the financial health of Albuquerque by attracting new businesses and creating jobs. Opportunity for personal and civic growth depends upon a dynamic library system.
On Sunday the foundation announced its first major gift to facilitate the building of a new library in a rapidly growing section of the city. A check for $100,000 was presented to the mayor for the acquisition of resources for the new library building at Unser and Central.
In addition, the foundation is working with University of New Mexico Hospital’s pediatric program to promote childhood literacy and is sponsoring community baby showers in the library. Young parents are being informed about the library’s resources and opportunities to encourage cognitive, language and social development of young children, while being introduced to the wealth of support services available to parents.
The foundation’s next fundraiser will take place Oct. 1 at the KiMo Theater, where Hillerman will discuss her new book, “Spider Woman’s Daughter,” set in the Southwest and incorporating many of her father’s favorite characters.