Mission:

The Benicia Library Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to build an endowment that will ensure a strong financial future for the Benicia Public Library.

Established in September 2004, the Benicia Library Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) corporation. Endowments, stocks, gifts, and bequests may be contributed to the Benicia Library Foundation and all contributions are tax deductible.

Members of the Foundation will soon be actively soliciting contributions to create an endowment for an ongoing stream of income for the library. Currently, The City of Benicia, Measure B sales tax initiative, Friends of the Library, and grants received from the California State Library provide funding for the library. Measure B income will sunset in 2014: if a new sales tax measure does not pass, the library could lose as much as 30% of its revenue. A Foundation will be able to provide funds for ongoing expenses, if necessary, or to help with capital improvements, such as completion of the library’s basement.

While both the Benicia Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library are nonprofit corporations, the mission and goals of these two nonprofits are quite different. Both organizations are extremely important to the health and vitality of the library as they provide cohesive and complementary support for library services and programs.

The Benicia Library Foundation’s goal is to create a one million dollar endowment. The stream of income from this endowment will be available upon request by the library for major projects and expenditures. The Library will apply for funds with a specific purpose or goal in mind as funds will not be allocated on a regular basis for library expenditures.

The financial goal of the Friends of the Library is to provide for the day-to-day operational needs of the library with funds generated largely through book sales. The Friends’ broader organizational mission includes creating a network of library supporters and volunteers.

Members of the Benicia Library Foundation Board are: Kerry Carney, Chair; Bonnie Silveria, Secretary; Tom Gavin, Treasurer; Carol Berman, Richard Bortolazzo, Helaine Bowles & Kathy Griffin, Directors. For questions about the Foundation or information on how to contribute please contact Kerry Carney, Chair, at ker5ry@aol.com or Library Director Diane Smikahl at dsmikahl@ci.benicia.ca.us or (707) 746-4343.

updated 5/1/2007