On July 20, Jeff Mower (Executive Director) and Luana Chilleli (Board President) of The Friends of the City Library presented a large check for $100,000 to The City Library. Deborah Ehrman, Acting Executive Director, accepted on behalf of the Salt Lake City Public Library.
This donation comes as The Friends emerge from pandemic-imposed restrictions. Due to COVID-19, in-person book sales, a primary source of fundraising for The Friends, could not be hosted in 2020. Nevertheless, the Friends adapted and innovated to find new ways of fundraising.
Most notably through the online store at the organization’s updated website, slclibraryfriends.org.
This website will certainly bolster the Friends efforts as in-person book sales return and The City
Library continues a partnership with The Friends that has lasted over 60 years.
Recognizing how isolated many people were at the beginning of the pandemic, The Friends broadened their reach and turned their attention to free book donations throughout Salt Lake City.
“The pandemic forced The Friends to focus on different things in 2020. Since used book sales weren’t happening but book donations were, we devoted time to distribute thousands of books to
teachers, nonprofits, and organizations that needed them,” say Jeff Mower.
Money raised by The Friends of The City Library helps fund many high-profile programs and events, including: The Super Summer Challenge, scholarships for Career Online High School students, HUM (the Library’s local-music streaming service), literacy programs, and cultural events like the Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, and Chinese New Year celebrations.
The City Library’s Main Library is a jewel in the heart of Salt Lake City, attracting visitors from around the world to admire its stunning architecture and 360 degree rooftop view. Along with its
seven neighborhood branches, the Library proudly serves the Salt Lake Community, where over 86% of residents have Library cards. Each year, patrons borrow millions of items from the collection, and enjoy thousands of programs, events, and workshops. Learn more at yourcitylibrary.org