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Library Foundation


Members of the Library Foundation Board

Lloyd Robertson, CTV news anchor and Stratford native, is the Honorary Patron for the Foundation.

Tom Orr (Honorary Campaign Chair)
Alexandra Bignucolo (President)
Bob Lightfoot (Treasurer)
Vacant (Secretary)
Paul Rempel
Mike Schultz (Senior Associate)
Diane Sewell
Charlene Gordon (Library Board Liaison)
Sam Coghlan (Library Director, non-voting)

The Board meets monthly at various locations (contact the Library for details). The Annual General Meeting for all members takes place in May. 

About the Foundation

The Stratford Public Library Foundation was established in 1998 to raise funds to assist the Stratford Public Library Board in the delivery of its programs.  

To quote from the incorporation document, the object of the Foundation is "to receive and maintain a fund or funds and to apply from time to time all or part thereof and the income therefrom for charitable purposes of ensuring the highest possible quality of library services for the community served by the Stratford Public Library.  Specific emphasis shall be placed on maintaining equity of access to library services and on funding programs that will enhance the Library's role and mission."

To meet this object, the Foundation has initiated two projects: an endowment fund and a service program, Public Library on Wheels (PLOW).  Board member Tom Orr, his family and business, sponsored the book “Overdue,” a history of Stratford Public Library from 1846 to 2003. The sponsorship of the publication is in itself exciting, but for the Foundation it represents the lead gift in the establishment of its endowment fund. All proceeds from the sale of “Overdue” will be donated to the Orr Family Endowment Fund. Eventually, the fund will provide revenue to the Library Board, allowing it to enhance its programs to the community.  The significance of the Orr family’s involvement in the Library at the start of both the 20th and the 21st century is striking to the Library Board, and everyone very much appreciates the commitment the Orrs have made to the Library. Truly, they are “Bookmarking the Future.”

 Dean Robinson and Rick and Jeff Orr revealing Overdue
Author Dean Robinson and Rick and Jeff Orr
unveiling the cover of Overdue.

The Foundation has undertaken to raise funds for PLOW, an outreach literacy program, and is happy to acknowledge donations from The Rotary Club of Stratford, who have generously funded the PLOW van, the Stratford Book Festival, the Mitchell Kinettes, colleagues of Sue Bonsteel and many individuals committed to the enhancement of reading skills for our children in Stratford.  PLOW will help the library take its preschool program out to under serviced areas of Stratford.

Anyone who is interested in knowing more about the work of the Foundation or who would like to know about options  for donating to the Foundation's projects is invited to contact Alexandra Bignucolo at 519-814-1414. 

Foundation Activities

Anne Marie TymecWhere there's a Will….

Stratford lawyer, Anne-Marie Tymec, from Monteith, Ritsma, Phillips, LL.P., will go over the basics of writing a will.  She will explain what can and can’t be included in a will, how to revoke or change a will, and what happens if you die without a will. 

Ms. Tymec will also discuss Power of Attorney, and will talk briefly about the duties of an Executor.

Wednesday June 1, 2011  7:00 – 8:30 pm
FREE in the Library Auditorium

 

Tax Time: Year End Planning

On Noveber 25, Liz Wagner, CFP, a Certified Financial Planner with Orr Insurance Brokers Inc., presented the basics of year end tax planning.
Click here for the presentation (in pdf)

 

Our Love is Here to Stay

Jo deslippeThe SPL Foundation has released "Our Love is Here to Stay" - a CD of easy listening jazz favourites featuring the Jo Deslippe Quintet.  All the musicians have offered their talent and time free of charge, in support of the SPL Foundation’s initiative, Public Library on Wheels (PLOW). Proceeds from a live concert in October 2003 and $20 from each CD sale will support PLOW.