Albert Wisner Library Foundation launches annual appeal

By Roger Gavan
WARWICK — At the recent tile mural dedication and reception in the Albert Wisner Public Library, Mayor Michael Newhard reminded guests that when the new library was first proposed, it faced serious opposition because, in the face of new technology, a place to just store books was beginning to look obsolete.

But, he explained, the new library, where people gather for events, work at computers, take out books and CDs, relax with a newspaper or magazine and so forth is much more than a place to just store books.

What's availableAnd the theme, "Books and More," has been chosen by the Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation for its 2015-2016 Annual Appeal.

The Warwick "Books & More" Library is a place full of interesting and diverse content: books, audio books, DVDs, magazines, e-content, do-it-yourself kits, museum passes, streaming video and music and more for inquisitive learners of all ages.

This year, for example, the library showcased the outstanding, professional Anne Frank exhibit and related programs.

The exhibit generated immense enthusiasm from the community, students, teachers, local coffee shops, regional colleges, local artists, musicians, Holocaust historians and survivors.

It was a one-of-a-kind event for Warwick, completely supported by grants and gifts from members of the community.

The mission of the Albert Wisner Library Foundation is to provide private financial support for the library, thus creating opportunities for the library's continued growth and enhanced service to the residents of Warwick.

Each year a portion of the library's operating income, as well as support for programs and collections, comes from tax-deductible gifts to the appeal.

$20,000 matching grantGlenn P. and Susan D. Dickes, long time, enthusiastic supporters of the library, are joined again this year by Donna Applegate and her husband, Jonah Mandelbaum, in providing a combined matching fund donation of $20,000.

That means for every dollar donated up to $20,000 the Library will receive $2 to be used to enhance programs, services and collections.

"The library serves everyone in our community to a standard of excellence," stated Glenn and Susan Dickes. "We think it deserves robust private support and we wish to lead the way."

The couple has also donated a $15,000 Leadership gift to the 2015-2016 Appeal earmarked for the library's Endowment Fund.

No gift is too smallThe "Books & More" appeal enables the library to provide so much more than would be possible with public funds alone.

Individual gifts last year, for example, allowed the library to present the Warwick Children's Book Festival, now an annual event; Music from McFarland Drive, a quarterly concert series; the Warwick Café Reading Project; free passes to 15 museums and parks in New York City and our region; the Teen Battle of the Books; improved lighting for art; story-time totes; and expanded digital content and e-readers.

"Our Books and More Library wouldn't be possible without the numerous gifts, large and small, we receive year after year from our generous supporters," said Library Director Rosemary Cooper.

She added that no gift is too small and every gift makes a difference to thousands of local residents who rely on the Library to enrich their lives.

Essential informationTo donate online visit the Library Website at www.albertwisnerlibrary.org and click on support/annual appeal.

For additional information call 986-1047.