12 Days of Giving: Dearborn Library Foundation

Name: The Dearborn Library Foundation

Website: www.dearbornlibraryfoundation.org

What they're all about: Founded six years ago to help raise funds for the Dearborn Public Library, the foundation has provided dollars that have translated into better services, more equipment, more books and capital improvements at the city’s three libraries.

But it hasn’t been an easy year for the libraries; the was , at a time when library services are perhaps more essential than ever before.

“People say that everyone has the Internet, so what are libraries doing,” said Steven Roberts, the president of the foundation’s 10-member board. “But you can’t assume that any more–not everyone has access to the internet and other electronic devices, especially with the economy the way it is.”

The foundation–which is entirely independent from the library, but works to raise money for the institution–steps in where it can, Roberts said.

Recently, the foundation paid for some capital improvements in the children’s section of the ; it used to be marble and glass, but now it’s colorful and more relatable for children, Roberts said.

Additionally, the foundation helps fund many activities at the library, including a . This event features a children’s author from Michigan that will read to and interact with children and parents.

One of the library foundation’s projects included buying early literacy computers that provide educational data for children, while presenting information in such a way that stresses skills such as math.

The Library Foundation is an all-volunteer force; no one is paid for their efforts, said Roberts.

“Donors can be sure than the money they donate will go to preserve library services in this community,” he said.

How to help: The foundation offers many avenues for donors to support the city’s library system.

Donors can contribute either to the general fund, which is used for physical improvements at the three library facilities, or the endowment fund, which pays for several library projects.

Checks or cash can be made in person at the Centennial branch, and checks can be mailed to the Dearborn Public Library Foundation, 16301 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI, 48126.