ALA reaches fundraising goal to support community engagement work in libraries
Mon, 05/06/2019
Contact:
Sarah Ostman
Communications Manager
ALA Public Programs Office
312-280-5061
The American Library Association (ALA) has reached a significant fundraising goal for its Cultural Communities Fund that will support the work of community engagement in libraries.
Announced in fall 2016, the initiative was made possible by a matching grant from former ALA president and longtime generous supporter Nancy Kranich. With donations made by 130 individuals between 2016 and 2019, the Cultural Communities Fund has surpassed its $50,000 goal to launch the endeavor, reaching $60,000 in contributions. A member of ALA’s Legacy Society, Kranich is committed to growing the fund over the years ahead.
“Thanks to our work in ALA, libraries of all types have unleashed the power of engaging their communities, working collaboratively to advance their aspirations and concerns, particularly for those voices rarely heard,” said Kranich, lecturer and special projects librarian at Rutgers University. “I’m grateful that so many people have stepped forward to join me in supporting this vital work. Together, we can ensure that more libraries develop and share innovative approaches that demonstrate the possibilities of turning outward toward our communities.”
The ALA Public Programs Office will announce more information about the programs supported through this initiative in the coming months.
ALA’s Cultural Communities Fund supports humanities, civic and STEM programming in libraries of all types. With help from individual and corporate donors, the fund has grown into an endowment of $1.9 million. The Cultural Communities Fund is administered by the ALA Public Programs Office and Development Office.
To make a contribution to the Cultural Communities Fund, visit ala.org/CCF.
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.