My WYLD AccountEndowment Challenge
Donor List | Endowment Challenge Brochure
The Wyoming State Legislature continued its commitment to Wyoming libraries when the House of Representatives voted 60-0 to pass the Public Library Endowment Challenge Program.
The bill, which had already passed the state Senate, provides an endowment of $9.1 million to the foundations of the state’s 23 public libraries.
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Hank Coe (R – Park), Sen. Kit Jennings (R – Natrona), Sen. Mike Massie (D – Albany), Sen. John Schiffer (R – Sheridan/Johnson) and Rep. Rosie Berger (R – Sheridan).
“Wyoming’s library consortium is probably the most integrated system in the nation,” said Berger. “The tier system developed in this bill offers a level playing field for all county libraries to develop long-term fund-raising opportunities. This is a terrific moment for our local libraries which serve as a cornerstone of learning and recreation for all ages.”
County Library foundations can receive up to $556,522 by raising matching funds according to a tier system based on county valuation.
“This endowment is necessary for the future of Wyoming’s libraries infrastructure, and it looks like we’ve come a long way this session to establish that future,” said Coe.
Funds earned as interest from this endowment can be used by the library’s foundations for any purpose: collection development, programming, equipment, staffing, and beyond.
About the Foundation
The Sweetwater County Library Foundation exists to raise, administer and disburse funds, grants, bequests, gifts and corporate donations to enhance the Sweetwater County Library System above and beyond what our communities tax dollars are able to support, providing many additional but essential library programs, technology and life long learning opportunities.
The foundation seeks to expand the Sweetwater County Library System’s ability to serve all the people of Sweetwater County in an equal manner.
The members of the foundation Board of Directors hope to help create dynamic community centers where young and old alike can gather to learn, read and connect with each other and the world around them.
The Foundation hopes to strengthen and expand the library system’s ability to share the world’s rich informational resources through the latest technologies while preserving the irreplaceable value of books.
Foundation Board Members
| Chair - David Kathka Vice-Chair - Leslie Davies Secretary - Dave Lovato Treasurer - Tim Savage |
Member - Joe Barbuto Member - Cody Gray Library Board Liaison - Rick Kempa CFAC Board Liaison – RJ Pieper |