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Support the Library
Quick Facts About the Library
Mission
The Memphis Public Library & Information Center
is in the business of satisfying the customer’s need to know.
Services
Since 1893, the library has been serving our community
with current, accurate information resources. The library system
includes the Central Library, 18 branches and three mobile services:
JobLINC (employment opportunities and information), Training Wheels
(training to day care workers and library services for children), and
InfoBUS (library services to immigrant and English as a Second Language
customers). The library also has two broadcast facilities: WYPL TV 18,
the local government access channel, offering a wide variety of
community programming, and WYPL FM 89.3 offering information to the
print-impaired, low literacy and visually challenged audience.
The library system serves the public in a variety of
ways. With over 3.2 million visits each year, the library is the source
for free access to information on virtually any topic. The information
is available in books, magazines, newspapers, manuscripts, audio books,
CDs, videos, DVDs, and online data bases and Internet resources. In
addition, the library presents programs for all ages and broadcasts
information via radio and television.
The Foundation for the Library was first chartered on
January 25, 1995 with the mission of raising funds for the construction
of the new Central Library. Its first chair was Dr. E. Charles Leonard,
and over the course of its next few years surpassed its $20 million
fundraising goal to ensure the building of the new Central Library. On
November 14, 1998, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new
330,000 square foot building and approximately 3 years later on
November 10, 2001, the doors swung open for the Library of the Future.
Vision
If knowledge is power, then the library is indeed a
primary source of empowerment for all people regardless of age,
economic circumstances or education level.
The Memphis Public Library & Information Center
is key to a better quality of life. A good public library system not
only enhances the environment for current residents and businesses, but
also serves to attract new residents and companies. The library is both
a gift and an opportunity for every individual to enrich his or her
personal and professional lives. It is an institution of incalculable
worth and return on investment.
Achieving our
Vision and Mission
As lives and lifestyles change, people are
constantly asking, “How do I …?” The
library has the answer. It is always acquiring, refining and
maintaining valuable information. It is the library’s goal to
foster self-reliance by having the most accurate and reliable resources
to answer customer questions.
Sample Statistics,
FY 2005-2006
Library Visits 3,187,826
New Collection Items 120,322
Programs/Attendance 2,848/76,177 (1,909 were children’s
programs with 60,063
attendance)
Technology 516 public computers/945,646sessions
4,808,808 visits to www.memphislibrary.org website
The Public/Private
Partnership
The ability to maximize the availability of information requires a
well-grounded public/private partnership. The public sector has long
accepted its responsibility of providing an adequate and safe library
environment for customers to access information. But there is a
tremendous opportunity and challenge for individuals and businesses to
enhance the library system. Private support leverages public sector
support so the library can continue to provide quality resources on any
topic. Supporting Organizations
The Foundation for the Library is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
established in 1994 to actively pursue private funds to support the
needs of the Memphis Public Library & Information Center. The
Foundation’s first objective was to organize and conduct a
capital campaign for the Central Library. A $20 million goal was
established in mid-1997. The capital campaign concluded in April 2003,
having raised $21.5 million. (See chart)
The Friends of the Library is also a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
whose members support and enhance the goals and objectives of the
Memphis Public Library & Information Center. Friends are a
diverse group of volunteers who give their time and talents in book
sales, the library's used book store and a variety of tasks throughout
the library system.
Click for Graphic of Fund Raising
Foundation
for the
Library Significant
Dates
June 16, 1994: First planning meeting of executive committee
November 1, 1995: First
Technology Task Force Meeting
Nov. 8, 14, 29, Dec. 5, 1995: Public hearings for new library
July 24, 1997: Campaign Leadership news conference - $1
million from
Friends of the Library
November 14, 1998: Central Library
Groundbreaking 1st Corporate
Knowledge Bowl
November 6, 1999: Community
Campaign kick-off "Foothold on the Future"
June 22, 23 2000: Topping Off Parties: Staff Preview;
Invited Guests
May 12, 2001: InfoRun – Central to Main and
back
November 10, 2001: Grand Opening Ceremonies
and Gala
March 2003: Second Editions used book store
opens
April 22, 2003: Campaign closed with $21.5
million
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