To the editor:

On behalf of Lawrence Public Library’s Friends and Foundation, we want to thank our wonderful community for its support this past year. Because of you, Lawrence Public Library is stronger and more vibrant than ever.

In 2017, the Foundation fulfilled its mission to secure gifts from the community to supplement and strengthen the public’s investment in the library. The Friends’ dedicated volunteer force not only raised considerable funds to benefit the library, but also donated more than 11,000 items to local nonprofits, accrued 7,704 volunteer hours and recycled 225,000 pounds of books over two years.

As key partners, the Friends and Foundation gave $290,000 to the library in 2017. Together, we:

• Brought music storytellers and visiting authors to Lawrence;

• Provided Summer Reading program prizes, entertainers and books;

• Made Read Across Lawrence books and speakers possible;

• Helped make LPL a dynamic community learning center for the digital age!

While the library is fortunate to have support from taxpayers for its basic operating expenses, private funding for the library is more important than ever. The Lawrence Public Library Friends and Foundation are honored to help the library provide the best possible programs and services to this community. More than ever, concerned, civic-minded citizens have stepped up to support Lawrence Public Library with their donations.

So please keep it up! Your library needs you. We sincerely appreciate your support.