The mission of the Milwaukee Public Library
Foundation is to provide essential support through private contributions
for books, materials, programs, and library facilities to ensure the
Milwaukee Public Library's continued standing as a great library responsive
to community needs.
The foundation was established in 1988 and continues its original vision
of generating private-sector support to supplement tax-based funding.
The result has been improved collections, expanded programs, enhanced
services, and renovated buildings. But the credit for the foundation's
impact belongs mainly to the people of Milwaukee. Over the years, thousands
of generous individuals, corporations, and foundations have demonstrated
their deep commitment to the Milwaukee Public Library by donating to
the foundation.
Private support for the library includes contributions
from thousands of individuals, corporations, organizations, and foundations.
In 2007 these contributions enabled the foundation
staff and board members to raise
$1,667,655 for library programs, books, materials, and endowment funds.
Gifts to the foundation signify a shared respect for public libraries and
an understanding that a strong public/private partnership ensures a top
notch resource for all.
New Books and Materials
The library foundation provided grants
to the library to purchase thousands of new books, videos, CD-ROMs, CDs,
DVDs, and to renew magazine and newspaper subscriptions. Since the
renovation of Central Library, there has been a significant increase in
patronage and usage of resources and materials system-wide. The foundation
board and staff members are proud to be partners with the library- ensuring
that the resources needed by patrons are available.
2007 Foundation Activity
Benjamin Franklin Award Celebration Over 400 guests gathered
at the magnificent Central Library for the 19th Annual Benjamin Franklin
Award Celebration on Thursday, October 18th to honor Edward J. Zore, CEO
and President of Northwestern Mutual. The
theme for the evening was A Taste of Central Library and guests
enjoyed a fabulous culinary tour of the library with delectable
delights offered throughout the Richard E. and Lucille Krug Rare Books
Room, Humanities, and Art and Music Rooms. Guests ended their evening with fanciful
desserts and coffee in the Betty Brinn Children’s Room.
Generous Gift Bequeathed by Ruth S. Coleman
The single largest gift from an individual came to the Milwaukee
Public Library Foundation from Ruth Coleman. Mrs. Coleman, who
passed away in August of 2007, provided a gift that will benefit the
library in a very significant way. She was known for her quiet
generosity to many throughout the community and her legacy will benefit
library patrons for years to come.
Chase Presents Harry Potter
Thousands of witches, wizards and muggles descended upon Central
Library to celebrate the release of the final Harry Potter book on July
20th. Thanks to Chase for a magical evening!
Children’s Literacy- Ready to Read with
Books2Go – Libros Para Llevar! Summer Reading Program
Many generous gifts support programs that are at the core of
MPL’s children’s literacy initiatives. Special thanks
to the Richard and Ethel Herzfeld Foundation, the Lubar Family Fund, the
Faye McBeath Foundation, and the Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation.
Computer Classes
The Northwestern Mutual Foundation provided support that allowed
thousands to attend free public computer classes at all Milwaukee Public
Libraries.
Foundation Board of Directors
Greg Oberland, President Gina Alberts Peter, Vice President Laurence Compton, Vice President Joanne M. Weber, Treasurer Barbara Stein, Secretary
Linda Allen
Cecelia Gore
Arthur Harrington
Bruce E. Jacobs
Lise Lawson
Diane Pellegrin
J. Lewis Perlson
Dan Renouard
David Riemer
Don Rosanova
Mark Sabljak
Charles Sprague
John J. Stollenwerk
David Uihlein, Jr.
Jay B. Williams
Distinguished Directors
T. Michael Bolger
Asher B. Nichols
Contact Us
Milwaukee Public Library Foundation
Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library
814 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: 414-286-3784
Fax: 414-286-2794
Email: foundation@mpl.org | friends@mpl.org
What
a Difference Your Library Makes Tell us your story!
Please tell us your story about how the library has made
a difference in your life - email us at friends@mpl.org
Staff Members
Meg Diaz, Executive Director
414-286-8703 mmdiaz@mpl.org
Anne Lillich, Development & Information Specialist
414-286-3784 amlilli@mpl.org
What
a Difference Your Library Makes 
