In the Media
“The foundation is proud to fund initiatives that create important connections—not just to one another, but to the services and resources that can transform lives.”
– Amanda ReCupido, Downers Grove Public Library Foundation President
Keep up to date on our press releases and read about the great work the Downers Grove Public Library Foundation is engaging in, as highlighted in the media.
About DGPLF
DGPLF president Amanda ReCupido joined the Spilling the Village Tea podcast to discussion the foundation and our impact (March 2025).
National Library Week
Each year, the Foundation invites members of the community to join them in celebration and support of the library during National Library Week.
This year, we are partnering with EQuality Downers Grove for a Spring Soiree, bringing together both organizations and celebrating EQDG’s “One Book, One Town:” initiative and NLW.
Coverage
EQuality Downers Grove releases schedule for annual One Book, One Town initiative | Shaw Local (February 12, 2026)
EQDG Unveils ‘One Book, One Town’ Events, Sets Date For Spring Soiree | Patch (February 11, 2026)
Downers Grove Public Library Foundation celebrates National Library Week with special screening | Daily Herald (February 10, 2025)
Downers Grove Public Library to Celebrate National Library Week | Shaw Local (March 31, 2024)
Downers Grove Library promotes broader services to the community during National Library Week | Shaw Local (April 6, 2022)
Local restaurants to donate part of sales to Downers Grove Library | Patch (April 1, 2022)
Two Downers Grove restaurants host benefit for library foundation during National Library Week | Daily Herald (March 29, 2022)
Previous Media Alerts
Media Alert: DGPLF Celebrates National Library Week 2025 (February 10, 2025)
Art After Dark (Fall Fundraiser 2025)
The Downers Grove Public Library Foundation is hosting a special “Art After Dark” event at the only free public art gallery in town: DGPL! At this exciting new fundraiser, attendees will explore the library’s full art collection and learn more about each piece. Join us after hours at DGPL for light bites, non-alcoholic drinks, special guests, a silent auction, and more—all to benefit the library we love.
Media Alert: DGPL Foundation Hosts “Art After Dark” Fundraiser (July 30, 2025)
Downers Grove library foundation fundraiser generates $10,000 | Shaw Local (October 10, 2025)
Downers Grove Library Art Collection on Display at Upcoming Fundraiser | Shaw Local (September 25, 2025)
Downers Grove Library Foundation to Hold Art After Dark Fundraiser Oct. 4 | Shaw Local (August 16, 2025)
Social Work Program
DGPLF provided seed money for the library’s Social Work Program, remaining the sole funder of this vital, impactful program for three years. The library’s board of trustees voted to approve the addition of one full-time social worker to their budget, beginning in June 2025. The foundation has been asked to continue providing funding for one part-time social work intern, as there is still a need beyond what one social worker can provide.
Media Alert: DGPLF Awarded Grant from Community Memorial Foundation to Expand Social Work Services (July 23, 2025)
Coverage
Grant will support Downers Grove Public Library’s social work program | Shaw Local (July 25, 2025)
Downers Grove Library to Use Grant to Provide More Social Services | Patch (July 25, 2025)
Library Expands Social Services Program | DGN Omega (October 18, 2024)
Social work program at Downers Grove Library meeting patrons’ needs | Shaw Local (April 10, 2024)
Letter to the Editor | Daily Herald (March 30, 2024)
Social Work in Libraries is Complicated, but Vital | Stacked Thoughts (March 24, 2024)
Previous Media Alerts
During National Social Work Month, the DGPL Foundation Applauds Library’s Impactful Program
Village Council’s Proposed Library Referendum
Residents, Commissioners Sound Off on Proposed Library Referendum | Patch (December 3, 2024)
– Foundation president Amanda ReCupido read DGPLF’s statement during public comment at the Village Council meeting.
Library Defense Instagram post about a proposed referendum question (December 1, 2024)
Friends of the Library
The DGPL Foundation recently announced it joined forces with the Friends of the Library, uniting two formerly independent organizations.
Media Alert: DGPLF Joins Forces with Friends (February 26, 2024)
Coverage
Downers Grove Public Library Foundation to Oversee Friends of the Library | Shaw Local (February 26, 2024)
A Conversation with Manhattan Project Scientist Dr. Dieter Gruen
The Downers Grove Public Library Foundation hosted an afternoon of conversation with the esteemed Dr. Dieter Gruen, Downers Grove resident, famed Manhattan Project scientist, and longtime Friends of the Library President.
Media Alert
DFPLF Hosts Talk with Famed Manhattan Project Scientist (July 22, 2024)
Coverage
Dr. Dieter Gruen: Manhattan Project Scientist | Downers Grove Magazine (November 2024)
A busy autumn weekend in Downers Grove offers something for everyone | Shaw Local (September 13, 2024)
Acclaimed scientist, innovator to speak Saturday and Downers Grove Library Foundation fundraiser | Shaw Local (September 12, 2024)
Downers Grove Public Library Foundation welcomes Manhattan Project scientist | Shaw Local (July 22, 2024)
Manhattan Project Scientist to Speak in Downers Grove | Patch (July 23, 2024)
Celebrate the Freedom to Read: A Banned Books Masquerade
In October 2023, DGPLF held our first annual Fall Fundraiser.
Coverage
Downers Grove Library Foundation fundraiser generates $25,000 | Shaw Local (October 9th, 2023)
Free People Read Freely: Banned Books Week 2023 | Booklist Shelf Care Podcast (September 25, 2023)
Banned books masquerade ball will celebrate the freedom to read | Shaw Local (September 29, 2023)
Banned Books Masquerade fundraiser to benefit Downers Grove Public Library | Shaw Local (August 4, 2023)