How You Can Help

Make a Donation

Our libraries are community centers – places to meet, discuss books and issues, learn new skills, talk with local officials, use a computer, and greet neighbors and friends. Free access to books, ideas, resources, and information is imperative for the development of education, employment, enjoyment, and self-government.

Libraries connect us with information and ideas. People of all ages and backgrounds – more than one million residents in total – benefit from the King County Library System. KCLS is the second busiest library in the entire country. Yet, as our population increases, our community’s needs outpace our library system’s ability to meet the growing demand for books, programs, services, and resources.

Your gift to the KCLS Foundation can support current literacy and lifelong learning programs or endow future programs. Donations can be made in cash, as memorial or honor gifts, employer matching gifts, stocks, bonds, property, or bequests. In some cases, you can offer long-term support to the KCLS Foundation while receiving tax benefits that meet your income and estate planning needs.

Make a Donation
There are a number of ways you can contribute to the KCLS Foundation and help fund programs that reach out to at-risk youth, adults, and families.

• Online - to make a secure donation online.
• By Mail - to print out a donation form that you can mail in with your donation.
• By Phone - call 425.369.3448 to make a donation with your credit or debit card.

Tribute Gifts
You can make an honorary gift to recognize a birthday, graduation, anniversary, or other special occasion or make a memorial gift in your loved one’s name via any of the methods listed above.

Gift Planning
Leave a lasting legacy and help ensure that literacy, lifelong learning and other library programs continue well into the future by including the KCLS Foundation in your will or estate plan. Bequests can be unrestricted or designated for a specific library program, collection, or purpose.

Many planned gifts offer tax advantages. At the same time, your philanthropy will benefit you now and KCLS for generations to come. For more information on planned giving options that provide creative and flexible solutions as you pursue your charitable, and financial, goals contact (Mr.) Lynn Schrader by email or by phone at 425-369-3225.

Corporate Support
We invite local businesses to support our mission through sponsorships of programs, events, and special collections. Your support is recognized on our web page, in our printed materials, and in our newsletter.

• Literary Lions Gala Event - More than 300 community leaders and library supporters attend the annual fundraising dinner held at the Bellevue Regional Library.
• Summer Reading Program - In 2007, more than 34,000 children signed up for this program, and practiced and improved their reading skills during the school break.
• Ready to Read - Sponsor the “Dewey & Sketch” puppet shows and Early Literacy trainings, or support the Books for Babies program, which delivers books and reading tips to low-income parents.
• For more ideas, contact Claire Wilkinson.

Corporate Naming Opportunities
We welcome discussion with local businesses about opportunities to name meeting rooms and donate public art during the KCLS ten-year capital improvement plan. Contact Jeanne Thorsen for more information.

Workplace Giving and Matching Gifts
Workplace giving programs through United Way, King County Employee Charitable Campaign, and Washington State Combined Fund Drive provide supporters with a convenient way to support the Foundation through payroll deductions. Numerous companies generously match their employees’ donations.

Volunteer Opportunities
The KCLS Foundation welcomes volunteer service in support of general office activities and for special events. Volunteers are welcome for our annual Literary Lions Gala event in March. Literary Lions opportunities include committees, registration, and book sale. Email Claire Wilkinson or call 425.369.3448 for more information.

In-kind Donations
The KCLS Foundation gratefully accepts in-kind donations of goods and services related to our mission and programs.

Join Our Mailing List
If you are interested in learning more about the KCLS Foundation and supporting literacy outreach programs in the communities we serve, send an email with your name, address, and telephone number to Claire Wilkinson or call her at 425.369.3448.

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