Mission

The Benicia Library Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to assist the Library with capital improvements and grant applications to improve services and programmatic offerings.

Gifts

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

Donate by mailing a check made out to Benicia Library Foundation to:

Benicia Library Foundation

c/o The Benicia Public Library

150 East L Street

Benicia, CA 94510

Friends and Foundation

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 raise money to help with capital improvements for the Benicia Public Library.  Some of the items that the Foundation has purchased in recent years are: an additional self-check machine, a new people counter that accurately gives the Library statistics as to how many patrons use the Library, what time of day and day is the busiest and how many people attend events and Playaways for the use of patrons. These items were purchased from donations of the community through fundraisers and annual giving. 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 Foundation also serves as fiscal agent to the Library for grant applications that require the support of a 501(C)3 agency. 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.

The Foundation also serves as fiscal agent to the Library for outside grant opportunities requiring a 501(c)3. 

Foundation Board

Members of the Benicia Library Foundation Board are:

• Todd Hickey
• Helen Kennedy-Lazar
• Sharon Maher
• Jim Minkel
• Constance Beutel
• Elfriede Adams
   

Ex-Officios:

• Jennifer Baker
• Helaine Bowles

For questions about the Foundation or information on how to contribute, please contact Helaine Bowles at hbowles@ci.benicia.ca.us or (707) 746-4343.

updated 11/14/2024