The Blue Island Library has been in existence since 1897 as a cornerstone of education of education and enrichment for the residents of Blue Island. In 1992, the Board of Trustees of the Library formed the Ad Hoc Fundraising Committee as a temporary committee to raise money for the Library from sources from within the community. The Blue Island Public Library Foundation was incorporated permanently in July of 1995 from the ad Hoc Fundraising Committee.

The purpose of this Foundation is to provide ancillary funding resources to maintain the Library and its services. The Foundation also provides an opportunity for scientific, cultural, and educational awareness and appreciation through many activities. Fundraising programs, workshops, and concerts are a few of the examples of filling a need in the community for scientific, cultural, and educational programs. It is expected that the Foundation will become the keystone for the continued growth of the Library.

The Foundation shall strive to develop linkages between business, government and civic organizations which will enhance community support of the programs and activities of the Foundation.

Library Funding

Property taxes make up 87% of the income received by the Library. The Foundation can provide the funds for special projects for the Library without the need to approach the taxpayers.

All fiduciary donations, unless otherwise designated, will be invested with the interest being used for capital projects for the Library.

Estate Planning

Your monetary gifts may be given or a bequest made to the Foundation for very specific purposes:

• purchase books on a particular subject

• purchase technology

• develop a new collection of materials

• obtain costly reference materials or periodicals

• capital projects

The Foundation has status as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization

Foundation Directors