Our Mission

The District of Columbia Public Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that leverages and enhances DC Public Library resources and programs that promote, in all community members, literacy and a thirst for knowledge.   

Our Work

With support from corporate, foundation, government and individual donors, the District of Columbia Public Library Foundation provides resources that enhance but do not supplant local government funding.  The Foundation: 

• Puts collections on library shelves
• Provides learning opportunities for children and adults
• Increases access to media and technology
• Supports cultural events
• Enhances library service capacity
• Provides funds for facility improvements

The Foundation administers and manages a variety of restricted and unrestricted funds in the form of bequests, trusts, gifts of securities, foundation and government grant awards, and cash donations from individuals.   

Our Vision

We see a District-wide literacy movement, sparked by the Foundation, inspired by a love of words and books, and fueled by expanded educational opportunities for all.

We see a Library system that—through innovative and state-of-the-art facilities, programs, and services—becomes for the community a beacon of lifelong learning, a catalyst for citizen action and organization, and a leader in the pursuit of enlightened civic engagement.

We see a community uplifted, dedicated to opportunity and joined to offer DC residents from all neighborhoods, of all ages, at all literacy levels, the possibility of realizing their full potential.