Why does the Library have an Endowment Fund?

The dedicated long-term financial support this fund provides is helping Eau Claire live up to its reputation as a literate place to live and work. It’s unusual for a community this size to boast a public library with as many active enhanced-service initiatives as the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library. It is because of the endowment fund that the library has been able to undertake extraordinary projects that would not have been possible using tax dollars alone.

What does it support?

Programs supported by the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library Endowment Fund include:

• Local Art Print Collection—This collection serves a dual purpose. It offers high-quality, framed art for customers to check out, and showcases the talents of visual artists in the Chippewa Valley.
• Dabbler in Residence—An individual maker, artist, inventor, or musician uses the Dabble Box as a studio space, allowing the public first-hand access to demonstrations and workshops. The post rotates from individual to individual, ensuring a variety of experiences for customers.
• Sawdust City Sounds—A curated collection of recordings by local musicians is available to stream or download, expanding access for music lovers and increasing the audience for local musicians.

Eau, the places you’ll go—when you visit the library!

The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is redefining the role of a public library in the Eau Claire community. In addition to the beloved books and storytime programs traditionally valued by library users, the library also provides an impressive array of enhanced services. We’ve increased outreach at schools and community events; launched BookBike services; rolled out a Books on Buses program with Eau Claire Transit; introduced new collections featuring local authors and musicians; and so much more. In 2018, the library also nearly eradicated financial barriers for library users by going “fines free,” eliminating overdue fines from nearly all library materials. In addition, the library is proactively engaging the community for transformative change, through the One Book, One Community reading program.

Giving

Please consider making a gift to the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library Endowment Fund. The principal is never withdrawn; only the investment earnings are used. You will be making a gift that keeps giving, for now and for good. Thank you for your generosity!

Gifts to the Endowment Fund can be made directly to the Eau Claire Community Foundation via the link below:

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

You can also send a check made out to "ECCF" to the Foundation office at 306 S. Barstow St. Suite 104, Eau Claire, WI  54701. Please note "Library Endowment Fund" on the memo line.

"Our libraries open up doors to the world. It's a place that serves as an inter-generational population of every socioeconomic group. Every time I go to the library, I'm excited about what I might find. And very thankful for all of the people involved in providing this tremendous resource."  --L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library Endowment Fund Donor