FOR OUR CITY, OUR CHILDREN AND OUR FUTURE

The FRIENDS of the St. Louis Public Library is the Foundation's Annual Giving program.  As our city faces difficult economic challenges, the St. Louis Public Library is needed now more than ever. Thousands of St. Louisans don't just use their public library; they depend on it.  People looking to better their futures come here for GED training, to search online for employment, or get information on starting a small business.  City schools that are forced to reduce library hours or do away with their libraries altogether count on the SLPL to provide children with access to books and materials.

This years Annual Giving Campaign will help fund the Library's crucial and popular after-school programs, which serve 35,000 children every year.  Recent data gathered from the Missouri Kids Count Data Center and The Annie E. Casey Foundation underscore the need for these services:

• In the city of St. Louis, there are more then 90,000 children.
• More than 36% of these children live in poverty.
• More than 27% of births in the city are to mothers without a high school diploma.
• More than 22% of the city's students drop out of high school.

Your gift will ensure that St. Louis children will continue to have access to crucial programs, including:

Homework Helpers - Ages  5 - 18  Now in its 11th year, Homework Helpers is a well-established and well-attended program.  Homework Helpers provide children with assistance in completing their schoolwork. This consists of sitting with children one-on-one and assisting with computer use so children can conduct online research for projects and papers.

PAWS for Reading - Ages 4 - 12 The SLPL is excited to introduce the PAWS for Reading literacy program, one of the newest programs started by Support Dogs, Inc. This initiative helps children develop confidence and reading skills by reading aloud to specially trained dogs in the library.  Support dogs are non-threatening, promote trust and encourage children to take risks in learning.  This empowers kids, sharpens their reading abilities, and promotes self-esteem.

MyTRACS - Ages 14 - 17  MyTRACS provides teens with a paid internship in which they research, write, design and maintain a website that provides information and articles that are of interest to their peers.

The St. Louis Public Library provides a safe, free and convenient place for children to continue growing and learning after their schools have let out for the day.  Most of our locations are situated along major bus routes and within walking distance of schools, so kids are never far from a world of opportunity.

Please give today – FOR OUR CITY, OUR CHILDREN AND OUR FUTURE

Join the Friends and receive:

• • $10,000 Andrew Carnegie Ambassador
    All benefits from lower levels, plus:
    • Special one-time use of the Central Library’s Great Hall for a private event. Library use fees will be waived
  • $5,000 Cass Gilbert Fellow
    All benefits from lower levels, plus:
    • Lunch for six people with the Library Director in Central Library’s Steedman Architecture Room
  • $2,500 George Steedman Scholar
    All benefits from lower levels, plus:
    • Lunch for two people with the Library Director in Central Library’s Steedman Architecture Room
  • $1,000 Tennessee Williams Society
    All benefits from lower levels, plus:
    • Invitation to a special Tennessee Williams Society event
  • $500 T.S. Eliot Benefactor
    All benefits from lower levels, plus:
    • A behind-the-scenes tour of Central Library with the Library Director
  • $250 Langston Hughes Patron
    All benefits from lower levels, plus:
    • A book by an author who has spoken at Central Library
  • $175 Sara Teasdale Associate
    All benefits from lower levels, plus:
    • St. Louis Originals rewards card good for $10 off your next visit to a St. Louis Originals Restaurant
  • $100 Eugene Field Supporter
    All benefits from lower level, plus:
    • Library tote bag featuring new library signature artwork; and a bookplate placed in your honor in a book from the Library’s collection
  • $50 Mark Twain Friend
    $40 Senior/Student Friend
    
    • Friend’s membership card (good for discounts of 10%-15% at Left Bank Books); Library newsletters; special seating at Library events; and a membership reception at Central Library