ACPL Celebrates National Library Giving Day and the Impact of its Foundation and Friends

This week, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) proudly recognizes National Library Giving Day (April 1) and celebrates the generosity of the ACPL Foundation and the Friends of the ACPL in supporting programs and providing financial support that strengthens literacy, learning, and community connection.

Through the two entities’ financial support, the ACPL continues to expand access to transformative library services across Allen County including signature initiatives: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which provides free books to young children to foster early literacy; the ACPL Scholars program, delivered in partnership with Questa Education Foundation, which helps students pursue higher education; StoryScape early literacy spaces; the Summer Learning Program; and the internationally renowned Genealogy Center, a cornerstone resource for family history research. 

“National Library Giving Day is the perfect time to remind us all that libraries thrive because of community support,” said ACPL Executive Director Susan P. Baier. “Thanks to the ACPL Foundation and Friends, we are able to deliver a modern, world-class library experience to every Allen County resident—from early childhood literacy to lifelong discovery. We also have the resources to support our staff and develop them into the library leaders of tomorrow.” 

Over the last year, the Foundation has solidified its continued investment in ACPL’s mission through multiple gifts including: 

• The selection of Nyke Bounkt (Hessen Cassel Librarian) and Kassady Murphy (Genealogy Assistant) as the most recent ACPL Scholars. This program, supported by the ACPL Foundation, provides financial support for ACPL librarians seeking a master's in library science – a critical component for career growth at the ACPL .  

• Funding for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which has placed more than 105,000 books in the hands of Allen County children since its late 2024 launch. 

• $937,000 to support Genealogy Center operations and Periodical Source Index (PERSI) resources. These initiatives help ensure the Genealogy Center has the resources it needs to remain the nation’s largest public library family research center and serve thousands of regional, national, and international visitors each year. 

• Approval of a funding request from ACPL leadership to continue or increase investment in core programs and services, including:  

  • $35,000 for the Summer Learning Program  

  • $8,000 for Staff Development Day  

  • $7,000 for staff holiday appreciation  

  • $5,000 for the Audio Reading Service  

• Additional project-based support includes $30,000 for study room upgrades and $40,000 for Audio Reading Service studio renovations.  

The Friends of the ACPL, a membership-based organization dedicated to program support for the library also funded key initiatives to support the library including: 

• $8,000 for Annual Staff Development Day  

• $17,000 for the Summer Learning Program, including expanded adult programming and outreach  

• $2,000 for staff engagement and professional development activities  

• $6,500 for volunteer recognition and support 

• $2,000 for Lincoln at the Library programming  

• $3,000 in in-kind book donations to support literacy efforts through community partner organizations. 

• $5,000 to refresh StoryScape interactive learning toys, enhancing early childhood play and literacy experiences  

• Continued investment in tuition reimbursement for staff, strengthening professional development and long-term workforce growth 

“The ACPL Foundation board is proud to make these investments in the library because we believe the ACPL will make the very best use of every dollar it is given,” said ACPL Foundation Chairman Rich Beck. “We’re excited to come alongside the exceptional ACPL leadership, dedicated staff, and the Friends of the Library to ensure that all of Allen County continues to enjoy the robust library it has known for more than 135 years.” 

When totaled, the two entities will provide more than $1.3 million in ongoing and special program support that will help sustain and grow the ACPL’s impact.  

According to Mike Horton, President of the Friends of the ACPL, this support relies upon the generosity of individuals and businesses across the community. “Whether it’s helping a child build a home library, supporting a student’s college journey, or preserving family histories, every gift makes a difference. National Library Giving Day is the perfect time to become a Friend of the ACPL, or make a gift to the ACPL Foundation, and put your treasure to work for the benefit of us all!” 

Gifts can be made to the ACPL Foundation by visiting acpl.info/foundation. Community members can join the Friends of the Library for as little as $25 by visiting acpl.info/friends.