To meet community need in extraordinary circumstances during COVID-19, the Foundation in March 2020 quickly approve a request for $10,000 to expand the library’s online collection. Funds established by a bequest from former librarian Lilian Culbertson provided more than 250 e-book and audio book titles now available to children, teens, and adults.

The library’s art acquisition, Aqua Melt, Flores y Conejos by Melissa Leandro, was unveiled in the library lobby in February 2020. The diptych of jacquard woven cloth is an exciting edition to the library’s permanent collection, providing opportunities for the whole of our community to explore and understand art. Watch as the DGPL Foundation visits Melissa’s Chicago studio.

In February 2019, the Foundation generously funded an inaugural program for deposit collections in senior living centers, including Immanuel Residences, Lacey Creek Supportive Living, Oak Trace Senior Living, Oak Tree Towers, Peace Memorial Manor, and Saratoga Grove Retirement & Assisted Living. The Foundation’s one-time $11,500 gift includes large-print and audio materials and supports librarians engaging more than 1200 seniors where they are, with what they ask.

A growing number of book clubs rely on DGPL to provide materials for engagement and discussion. In 2018, the Foundation helped fund this new program with an initial $10,000, exclusively in books, made possible through the Lillian Culbertson bequest. Cardholders can pick up to-go book bags, complete with recommendations and guides from librarians you know and love.

In June 2017, the Foundation commissioned Soaring by local artist John McDavitt. Many fondly remember his trompe l’oeil works, Solar System and Train murals, prior to the 2014 renovation. In this recent installation, books fly from library doors while characters emerge from their pages. With attention to detail, each book comes alive with its own vibrant story. John devoted several months to Soaring. To see it come alive — in a matter of minutes — watch here.