Endowment Funds

RESERVED For LONG-TERM Library SUPPORT

Endowment gifts have the power to serve our libraries many years after the facilities are built. Our funds are designed to meet the libraries’ financial needs as they age and the city grows. Contribute to an existing fund or ask about establishing one of your own. Every gift lays the groundwork for a prosperous future.

General Endowment Fund

Earnings are used to improve programs, collections and facilities in all nine Madison Libraries. 

Alicia Ashman Endowment Fund

Earnings are used to improve Ashman Library programs, collections and facilities.

Central Library Endowment Fund

This fund is held at Madison Community Foundation and supports Central Library programs, collections and facilities.

Goodman South Madison Library Endowment Fund

Earnings are used to improve Goodman South Madison Library programs, collections and facilities. 

Hawthorne Library Endowment Fund

Earnings are used to improve Hawthorne Library programs, collections and facilities. 

Lakeview Library Endowment Fund

Earnings are used to improve Lakeview Library programs, collections, and facilities. 

Meadowridge Endowment Fund

Earnings are used to improve Meadowridge Library programs, collections and facilities.

Monroe Street Library Endowment Fund

Earnings from this endowment are used to improve Monroe Street Library programs, collections and facilities. 

Pinney Library Endowment Fund
Earnings from this endowment are used to improve Pinney Library programs, collections and facilities. 

Sequoya Library Endowment Fund

Earnings from this endowment are used to improve Sequoya Library programs, collections and facilities. 

Rosemary Lee Civic Engagement Internship Fund
This annual internship was established in memory Rosemary Lee, who died in 2015. She earned the nickname “21st Alder” for her loyal presence at Madison Common Council meetings. After a career in the insurance industry and later at UW-Madison, she spent her retirement attending council and other government meetings, serving on city committees and volunteering at numerous nonprofits. The intern’s responsibility is to research and explore ways to offer remote access to and increase engagement in city government meetings, as well as city services at the library’s nine locations.  

Judy P. Olson Book Discussion Kit Fund
Judy P. Olson, who died in November 2019, was president of Madison Public Library Foundation for 14 years. The fund was established before her retirement in honor of her service.

Betsy Moon Proctor Endowment Fund

Established in memory of Betsy Proctor, the Elizabeth Moon Proctor Scholarship fund encourages and assists Madison Public Library employees planning careers in library and information studies. Betsy enriched and enlivened Madison Public Library from 1967 until her retirement in 1996. She inspired many library careers through her intelligent, tireless dedication to public library service; her commitment to outreach and services for minority and institutionalized populations; her irrepressible, infectious laughter; and her enduring friendships.

Print Books Purchase Fund

This fund sustains and expands the library’s collection of print books.

Professional Development Endowment Fund

Madison Public Library staff can gain career growth opportunities — including conferences, workshops and other training — through this fund created with a seed gift from Barb Arnold, library staff and an anonymous donation.