Members of the Library Foundation Board
Lloyd Robertson, CTV news anchor and Stratford native, is the Honorary Patron for the Foundation.
| Tom Orr (Honorary Chair) |
| Alexandra Bignucolo (President) |
| Bob Lightfoot (Treasurer) |
Vacant (Secretary) |
Elvira Gaylor |
| Kathleen DeBlock Boersma |
| Mark Schultz (Senior Associate) |
| Carol Purkis |
| 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.”
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.
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