Mission:

The mission of the Library Foundation of Delaware County, PA is to secure resources and funding to enhance the basic library services provided by member libraries of Delaware County Libraries. The private dollars raised enrich library services that are the responsibility of the public sector to provide with tax-supported funding.

History:

In the early 1990s, DCLS board and staff members originated discussions in regards to establishing an independent, non-profit foundation that would raise funds for system-wide programs and services. In 1995, the County of Delaware approved the creation of a new DCLS position: that of Development and Communications Officer; and in the spring of 1996, a candidate was hired. A function of the job was to set up the Foundation and implement its fundraising initiatives.

The DCLS Foundation Task Force met on a regular basis throughout the summer and fall in an effort to define the purpose of the Foundation, write its bylaws, and establish the Foundation as a 501 (c) (3) organization. The Foundation filed its Articles of Incorporation in November of 1997. After some growing pains and reorganization the Foundation received its IRS Determination granting 501 (c) (3) status in 2011. Since then it has received over $434,000.00 in grants from organizations such as Verizon, The Franklin Institute, The Community’s Foundation, and FINRA Investor Education Foundation.

Grants Received:

The Library Foundation of Delaware County has received grants from the following organizations to help us enrich library services:

• The Foundation for Delaware County
• Rotary District 7450 and the Rotary Clubs of Chester, Media, Swarthmore, and Wayne
• The Foundation For Delaware County
• Verizon
• The Franklin Institute
• The Community’s Foundation
• FINRA Investor Education Foundation
• Aqua Charitable Trust
• Ethel Sargeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund

Bylaws:

To view our bylaws please click here.