Foundation History

RPL Foundation History

Believing that public funds must be augmented with private funding if the library were to fulfill its mission, in 1996 the Library Board created and recruited Board members for a Library Foundation.  On April 10, 1996, Rochester Public Library Foundation was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation Board received its first major gift of $25,000 from First Bank Rochester in December 1996. In November 1997, the Foundation raised an additional $20,000 for the Library with a benefit luncheon at which former First Lady Barbara Bush spoke.

In 1999, the Library Foundation Board presented an informational campaign to the community about how the library changes lives through talks to local groups as well as a media campaign using TV and newspapers.

The Foundation started the “Book a Year” Endowment fund in 1999. For a gift of $500, a book in the name designated is purchased every year in perpetuity for the Rochester Public Library.  Since its establishment in 1999, 143 Book-A-Year donations have been received, and 640 books purchased.

In 2001, the Foundation inaugurated an annual gala fund raising event called “Wit Wisdom and Wine”.  This is held every January on a Saturday evening.  Guests pay to attend two 45 minute lectures and enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres and bid on silent auction items in a cocktail party atmosphere.  More than ten expert speakers about interesting topics are available to choose from.  After the lectures, guests mingle, taste wines and sample a wide array of special snacks and desserts. 

In November 2002, the Mayo Clinic contributed $250,000 to establish the Foundation’s endowment fund.  They also established a challenge grant that will match, dollar for dollar, every gift up to $50,000 to the Rochester Public Library Foundation each year for five years.  In 2007, the Foundation met this challenge grant for the fifth year in a row.  As of December 31, 2010, the Endowment Fund balance was over $1,862,000.
In 2007 the Library Foundation began an annual summer event called the Amuzing Race based on the reality TV show the Amazing Race.  Teams race around Rochester and Olmsted County finding clues and performing tasks for a fun-filled morning.  A lunch is provided after the race. The Amuzing Race was suspended in 2010.

The Foundation’s highest priorities for funding are:

• Providing more services to the youth in the community and those who support them
• Expanding collections and services for the benefit of all patrons
• Expanding services to non-native English speakers
• Providing ALL residents of all ages hands-on access to, and education about, technology