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The Redwood City Library Foundation is a non-profit organization raising private money to support our city’s four  libraries.  The mission of the Foundation is to increase financial support for the library’s services, collections and programs.

Library services are needed more than ever before, as funding for public schools sharply decreases.  High quality books and media, and literacy programs for children and teens are especially needed.  Individuals, businesses, foundations and community groups have stepped up to help provide library collections and programs to benefit these children and families.   But more support is needed. Won’t you join us in this effort?  You’ll find a “donate” button on this page.

Redwood City Library Foundation accomplishments:

1. •Established as a foundation 14 years ago
   

2. •Raised over $2.2 million to support four libraries
   

3. •Launched the Traveling Storytime program
   

4. •Established a teen homework center
   

5. •Helped fund an interpretive center at a branch library
   

6. •Supported Dad and Me in the Library program
   

7. •Purchased the entire collection for a new branch library
   

8. •Raised funds to expand the collection at a branch library
   

9. •Is providing storytelling/ literacy activities in all libraries
   

10. •Is supporting youth literacy activities in local schools
    

The current campaign of the Redwood City Library Foundation is to expand early literacy programs to help combat the problem of illiteracy in our community.  Only 40% of Redwood City third graders are proficient readers.  We must increase that number through providing excellent library materials and effective early literacy programs.

To donate to the Redwood City Library Foundation’s General Fund, please click here.

Charter Members Benefactors’ Circle

Benefactor Circle members make an investment in the future of Redwood City Libraries through their annual donations of $1,000 or more.  Those who joined in the first two years are Charter Members of the Circle.  A handsome plaque representing an open book with member names now hangs in the lobby of the Downtown Library.  Click here to see the 2009-2010 Members.

Teen Homework Center

The Foundation provided funding for computers and technical/tutoring assistance to help our youth succeed in their educational goals in the Redwood City downtown Homework Center. In 2010, the Center’s location in the library changed, the new area was renovated, and renamed the Teen Center. Today, the Center staff not only helps kids with homework and activities, but also recruits and works with teen volunteers. In 2010,   235 teenagers volunteered over  1,798 hours helping plan and lead activities.

Traveling Storytime

Through this program our children learn the joy of reading and being read to. More than 60 volunteers read at 70 childcare facilities on a weekly basis. From its inception in 2001 to July  2011, volunteers have presented over  9800 storytimes to more than  165,000 children. The Foundation provided funding for the staff and the operating costs for the initial years of this highly successful program.

Hearing Loop

Hearing impaired adults can enjoy programs and attend meetings in the Downtown Library  community room equipped with a Foundation-funded hearing loop. Endorsed by the local Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) (formerly the SHHH Association) and installed in the summer of 2004, many adults have benefited from this device. The HLAA holds its regular meetings in the room.

English Language Materials

Through the acquisition of English language written material, DVDs and audiocassettes, members of our Latino community can improve their language skills. The Foundation purchased  hundreds of these materials for adults and children for the Fair Oaks Library in  2010-11 and will continue to add to this collection in 2011-12.

Dad & Me in the Library

One Saturday each month brings fathers and children together at the Redwood City Downtown Library and the Redwood Shores Library. Each month features a different children’s performer to present puppet shows, magic, music, storytelling and other entertaining activities. Though the program encourages fathers to spend time with their kids, moms are welcome too.

The Redwood City Library Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization qualified to receive tax deductible contributions. 100% of every donation goes to supporting the Redwood City libraries.

Baby and Me at the Library is a new six-week program beginning fall 2012 at the Downtown Library.  Each week babies, from birth to eighteen months, will spend one hour with their parent in early literacy building activities using board books read in unison, songs, rhymes, flannel board stories and play time with age-appropriate toys.  Guided by a trained reading specialist, parents will help their babies build listening, memory and vocabulary skills in a nurturing environment.   Sessions will be limited to 20 adults and babies. Each family will receive a new board book to encourage continued reading at home.

Goal:$7,000 to cover the cost of a board book collection and supplies to serve four libraries.

Project READ’s Kids in Partnership is an after-school program that teams underachieving teens (tutors) with “at-risk” 1st through 4th graders (learners) for a year or more.  Each pair works from an individualized tutoring plan based on each student’s goal.  Project READ administers a Bader Reading and Language Assessment to tutors and learners upon entry to the program and reassessments every six months.  Both groups see their reading skills improve by up to 3 grade levels in one year.  Many teens who benefited from the program as children are now volunteer tutors.  Every tutor participating in the program since the program began has graduated from high school, a grand total of 435 teens.  Currently 130 tutors are working with 350 learners.

Goal:$ 65,000 to cover half of the State Library Literacy Funds cut to the Redwood City Public Library this year.