The Fern Ridge Library Foundation is a volunteer-led, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We have been dedicated to serving the community through advocacy and support of the Fern Ridge Library District since our founding in 1995. We raise private money and secure grants for capital improvements and other library projects. Community Partner business donations and Endowment Fund gifts help the Foundation support the needs of our gem of a library.

Successful Projects

The Fern Ridge Library Foundation has funded, through the generous support of local community members, private foundations, and businesses:

  • Supplementary library materials, including books and media
  • Replacement of the reader board
  • New computer equipment and an adaptive workstation
  • Carpet replacement
  • Replacement of the drop-box book and media return
  • Boosting wireless technology access by providing new routers, furniture, and infrastructure
  • Capital construction to renovate original wing of the Fern Ridge Library
  • Integrated technology and other additions to children’s reading room
  • Private fundraising for the construction of the current library building
  • Renovation of the circulation desk
  • Konnie Room, our multipurpose space, improvements including new tables, chairs, and presentation kiosk for programs (in progress now)
  • Mobile library tricycle to take the Library out to community events (in progress now)
  •  Building the Fern Ridge Library Foundation endowment fund with additional donations, local advertising, and a donor recognition plaque in the entry for gifts and bequests of $1,000 and above. Thank you!

MISSION

The mission of the Fern Ridge Library Foundation is to serve the community through advocacy and support of the Fern Ridge Library.

VISION

The vision of the Fern Ridge Library Foundation is to be a vibrant, sustainable, collaborative organization that works to enhance the library’s service to the community.

GOALS

  1. Increase financial support to enhance the library facilities, services, and collections.
  2. Build capacity of the Fern Ridge Library Foundation to fulfill our role in support of the library.
  3. Sustain community collaboration and outreach to serve as an advocate for the library within the region.
  4. Maintain relationships among the Fern Ridge Library family to support the role of the Library Board, Friends of the Library, volunteers, and staff members and work with all groups on behalf of the library.

The Board of Directors meets monthly to establish, support, and continually evaluate the mission, goals, and objectives of the organization. This includes discussing strategies for fundraising, planning events, engaging with invited guests from around the community, overseeing the business affairs of the organization, and convening with the director of the Library and liaisons from the Library Board and Friends of the Library.

FRLF Board Photo_2022

Fern Ridge Library Foundation Board of Directors members pictured in the Fern Ridge Library Courtyard in September 2022. Front row, left to right, Les Benoy, Anne Shelton, Mary Jo Simone, Nan Muir, (middle row, left to right) Karen Johnson, consultant, David Floyd, Ronda Shankle, (third row, left to right) Bill DeChent, Erik Carlstrom, Colin Rea, library director, Dan Caplis.

The Board of Directors appreciates the expertise of our consultants, Karen J. Johnson, Fundraising Consultant; Pierrette Paul, Executive Administrator; and Meli Hull, Minutes Recorder.