Madison Public Library Foundation has several endowment funds that support library facilities, collections, and programming into the future. In 2024, endowment funds that supported projects at specific libraries contributed to essential and innovative library improvements, ranging from creative programming to furniture upgrades.
The Alicia Ashman Endowment Fund. The library spent about $1,500 to support three popular making programs led by community artists, Youth Services Librarian Carissa Christner’s participation in the U.S. Play Coalition’s Libraries, Learning, and Play Forum in April, and facility and technology improvements.
The Central Library Endowment Fund. Over $10,000 of this fund was used to enhance customer experience for patrons at the library. Efforts included updating building signage, installing shelving backstops to make it easier for little visitors to reach materials, converting a room into an office for the new Patron Safety and Resource Coordinator, and replacing worn-out book trucks.
The Goodman South Madison Library Endowment Fund. The library spent just over $8,000 to replenish seed library supplies, support Saturday Community English classes in partnership with the Literacy Network, and purchase four new laptops for youth looking to socialize and play games without disrupting other library patrons.
The Hawthorne Library Endowment Fund. More than $1,000 was spent to replace six tables in the community room. With the help of the Friends and another small fund, six new Hon Huddle tables — optimized for collaboration and meetings — have become available at Hawthorne Library.
The Lakeview Library Endowment Fund. The library spent over $1,500 on numerous programs and supplies. These programs ranged from family photo shoots, self-care workshops, and poetry showcases and art exhibits to free music classes, metalworking, and lessons about native Wisconsin plant seeds.
Endowment funds help support Madison Public Libraries by meeting financial needs of its changing and growing community. Consider contributing to an existing endowment fund and learning more by visiting our Endowment Funds page.