Chesapeake Public Library Foundation

Our Mission
The Chesapeake Public Library (CPL) Foundation seeks contributions to support the library's important collection of books and materials and to increase learning opportunities for the City's growing population. The Library Foundation was incorporated in 1998 as a tax-exempt, charitable, non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status, designed to provide funding that complements the City's support for continued operation of the library. It is operated by a Board of Directors and has no membership program.

Accomplishments
The CPL Foundation has a rich history of accomplishment. As part of the effort to build a secure future for our public library, the Foundation has received generous grants and donations from organizations and individuals such as C. Edward Russell, Jr., the Harry Bramhall Gilbert Charitable Trust, The Honorable Linwood Briggs, Chesapeake General Hospital, the Gates Foundation, and the Barbara E. Smith Testamentary Trust.

The following are a few of the programs and services made possible by the generosity of individual, corporate and foundation donors to the Chesapeake Public Library Foundation.

· Developed and supported by the Foundation, the Chesapeake Poetry Festival, with renowned national poets who have ties to Virginia, has increased community awareness of poetry and literature.

· The Harry Bramhall Gilbert Charitable Trust has expanded the library's collection, provided two electric disability scooters for the Central library, and helped furnish the new Indian River Library Young Adult room.

· Family Centers were created through a grant from Chesapeake General Hospital. These special areas within each library offer information on parenting and child development.

· Through a donation from The Honorable Linwood L. Briggs, former mayor of South Norfolk, the Foundation made a long-term commitment to purchase books for the South Norfolk Library and enhance the library's literacy room

· A bequest from the Barbara E. Smith Testamentary Trust provided additional Public access computers for the South Norfolk Library.

· The CPL Foundation teamed up with the Gates Foundation to purchase Public Internet access computers for our libraries that were ineligible for the Gates grant.

You Can Help Create A Legacy
If you want to help support the Chesapeake Public Library and its efforts to create a more literate and informed community, consider making a gift to the Library Foundation. Your gift will help provide resources for future generations of library users. In addition, you may receive substantial financial benefits and tax savings. There are a number of ways to give wisely through the Chesapeake Public Library Foundation:

Book Endowment Fund
A contribution to the Book Endowment Fund buys a book in perpetuity. Part of your gift, twenty-five percent, will be used immediately to purchase new material for the library. The remaining seventy-five percent of your gift will go into the endowment to earn interest for buying books in the future. Endowments are truly gifts that live forever. Book Endowment Fund donations are recognized with customized bookplates in the items purchased.

Adopt-A-Book
If you are looking for a special way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion, consider a gift to the Chesapeake Public Library Foundation. Adopt-A-Book is a rewarding and lasting way to recognize a loved one or commemorate an important occasion. Gifts can be designated for the purchase of library materials and a gift plate will be placed in the item recognizing the special event.

Planned Giving
You can give to the future of your community through a bequest in your will or other planned gift to the Chesapeake Public Library Foundation. Or perhaps you want to make charitable gifts during your lifetime which allow you to take maximum advantage of the charitable deduction on your income tax return. Lifetime gifts can also serve to reduce the size of your estate and allow you to see the impact of your donation on the services of the Library.

It's Your Choice
Only you can make the decision about who will benefit from your years of work. We urge you to talk to your attorney, accountant, financial planner, life insurance underwriter, or any Director of the Chesapeake Public Library Foundation about making the Foundation one of your beneficiaries.

Your Support Can Make A Difference
Our libraries are truly centers for community learning, offering free public access to resources that inspire, educate, and entertain. We invite you to join with us by contributing private dollars to create a funding partnership that will make an investment in the future of our community. Through the Foundation you can help make the difference between a good library and a great library.
For assistance or more information about how you can help the Chesapeake Public Library Foundation, contact the Administrative Assistant, Phyllis Schirle, at 410-7105. You may also contact any of the Foundation Board members listed below:

Chesapeake Public Library Foundation Board of Directors

C. Edward Russell, Jr.
Burke H. Craver, Jr.
Elizabeth B. Fowler
Yvonne W. Hanson
Warren D. Harris
James A. Roy
Stephen J. Telfeyan

Chesapeake Public Library Foundation
298 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322-5598
Phone: 757-410-7100 Fax: 757-410-7112

Learn more about the Chesapeake Public Library Foundation

Print a copy of The Book Endowment Fund Form