Ways to Support the Library
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Help the Library continue to fulfill its mission. Donations of any size are appreciated and will be directed toward the areas of greatest need unless specified by the donor. Donations can be made as a one-time gift or through a pledged commitment over time. Donate here.
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Donating appreciated securities is a valuable way to contribute and may offer potential tax benefits. For more details, please contact the WLPLF Board at info@wlplf.org.
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The West Lafayette Public Library represents the heart of our community's values and commitment to quality of life. Explore the benefits a corporate partnership with the West Lafayette Public Library Foundation can bring to your business. For tailored sponsorship opportunities, please contact the WLPLF Board at info@wlplf.org.
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Planned giving encompasses estate gifts and current contributions that can benefit both you and the Foundation. Options include wills, charitable trusts, or life insurance policies. For more information about planned giving opportunities, contact the WLPLF Board at info@wlplf.org.
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Establishing a named fund allows you to create a lasting legacy while supporting the library's mission. Funds can be tailored to reflect your personal values or focus on specific areas of need. For more information about starting a fund, please contact the WLPLF Board at info@wlplf.org.
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A memorial donation is a wonderful and enduring way to pay tribute to a friend or loved one. For more information about making a memorial donation, please contact the WLPLF Board at info@wlplf.org.
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Explore existing funds below and select one that best aligns with how you would like your donation to be used at the library.
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Volunteers not only get to gain experience and insight into the happenings at the Library, but they also get to make friends and show off their skills. Learn more & sign up.
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The Book Cellar repurposes and resells donated items to directly support library collection, programs, and services. Shopping the Book Cellar is a wonderful way to give back to the library while discovering your new favorite book, movie, puzzle, or game. Get started.
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The General Fund supports the Library in any area of greatest need. There are times when the library's needs exceed what public support can provide. Significant contributors: Anna Akeley Estate, Jean Sullivan
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Anna Akeley was a lecturer in Physics at Purdue University. She was a significant supporter of the Greater Lafayette community and advocated for Arts & Cultural Education.
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Jean Sullivan has been a major supporter of the WLPL for decades. Her roles have been Treasurer of the Friends of the WLPL; and Friends Representative to the Library Board. Besides her gift of time, she has also been a tremendous financial contributor.
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Joseph Uhl was a Professor of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University. He was a supporter of public libraries and public schools. His will provided for the Library a distribution of his estate.
General Funds:
Collections Funds:
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The Collections Fund supports the Library in maintaining and expanding print and electronic materials. Significant supporters: Mark Davis, Gupta Family, Evelyn Modrey, 44 Book Club.
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The family of Mary Jane Carr gave in her memory. Mary Jane Carr was an avid reader. The Library purchases large print books in her memory.
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William Gretencord was an avid user of the library's music resources, especially the sheet music collection and CD discography.
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Bill Friday was born and raised in West Lafayette. He was the Reference Librarian at WLPL from the 1980s to early 2000s. He enjoyed music, science fiction, and baseball. Bill Friday's mother, a librarian at Purdue University, was one of the individuals who started the WLPL Book Fairs in 1959.
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The family of Lucille Cooper Scott gave in her memory. Lucille was an avid library patron and supporter.
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Al and Martha Altschaeffl are avid readers and have supported the Library since the 1970s both through volunteerism and financially. They both served on the WLPL as board members at different times. Al was an active board member. Martha lead the Friends of the WLPL and was a key volunteer in countless book fairs. Al enjoyed biographies, action/adventure, and engineering. Martha has interests in many genres.
Programming Funds:
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Programming at the Library is for all ages and many interests. The fund is named after Nick Schenkel, who was the Library Director from 1981 through 2023. Besides leading the Library through three construction renovation projects, he is known for community collaboration through programming; his affinity for history; and his book reviews on WBAA. The fund was started in 2021. Significant contributor: Jean Sullivan
Maintenance Funds:
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The West Lafayette Public Library occupies 69,000 square feet. As a public facility, maintenance is required in order to keep it welcoming, beautiful, and running smoothly. Emergency maintenance costs can exceed the public supported budget.
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West Lafayette has a unique history which the Library brings to the forefront through collections, programs, the Grandview Cemetery Caretaker's Cottage. Highlights of the collections include the Mayor Sonya Margerum Collection.
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Built in 1903, the Cottage has seen WL history unfold around it. In 2024, it became the WL History Center after a 7-year campaign to renovate the space. Significant contributors: City of West Lafayette, West Lafayette Redevelopment Commission.
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Bill and Bonnie Hockema are West Lafayette residents and are significant supporters of the Caretaker's Cottage.
Donate to the Bill & Bonnie Hockema Caretaker’s Cottage Fund
History & Archives Funds:
