> In his post, Joseph Barisonzi wrote: "with a small background in
> fundraising that I have, a nonprofit whose purpose it is to raise money
> should certinally baable to build a donor base of more that 120 thousands
> dollars after more than 50 years."
>
> A little context: Last year, The Friends contributed more than $630,000 to
> MPL in grants and services. In addition to direct financial supoprt, The
> Friends support the Library by coordinating more than 330 volunteers who
> contribute more than 13,000 hours each year; sponsoring dozens of free
> public programs; operating the Minneapolis Planetarium and Friends Book
> Store; and advocating for public support of the Library and Planetarium.
> Fundraising (and the correct number is closer to $200,000, when
> individuals are included) is just one of many things we do.
>
> It is also true that without an organization like The Friends, it would
> have been much harder for the Library to raise $140 million through the
> referendum, or whatever money is ultimately raised through the Legislature
> for the Planetarium.
>
> Barisonzi also dismisses the $800,000 that the Library raises through
> grants in any given year. The reality is that those dollars have a very
> significant impact on the shape and quality of library services. What has
> fundraising done for the library? Just a quick selection: sponsored the
> Homework Helper program, which is now active at most community libraries
> and helps thousands of kids connect with adult mentors in the after-school
> hours; sponsor the Library Links program, which facilitated much stronger
> relations between MPL and our Somali, Hmong and Hispanic communities;
> sponsored literacy initiatives like the Franklin Learning Center, the
> Phillips Computer Center and the Hosmer Community Center. The list could
> go on.
>
> These are essentially services that go above and beyond what would be
> traditionally considered core library services. The bulk of the Library's
> expenses go into maintaining collections, facilities and staff -- and that
> is a public responsibility that should be paid for through public funding.
>
> I'm all for more fundraising, but we shouldn't confuse it with a solution
> to our library's long-term financial needs. If we are committed to
> excellent public libraries, it will take a commitment of public funds.
>
> Colin Hamilton
> Executive Director
> Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library
> 612/630-6172
> 612/630-6180 (fax)
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
>
>
>
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