WHAT WE DO
What We Fund
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the many individuals, corporations, and local foundations which support the Foundation each bring a commitment to the library’s vision of being a welcoming destination and a leading provider of resources to inform, enlighten and enrich our diverse community. Recent initiatives funded by the WPLF in cooperation with philanthropic supporters include:
Open Sundays*
Open hours for families, students, and working adults who require library access on Sundays. With generous support from the George I. Alden Trust, the Fletcher Foundation, the Fred Harris Daniels Foundation, David and Marlene Persky, the Jeanne Remillard Curtis Fund of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, and an anonymous donor.
A Library Card for Every Child*
This program brings a librarian to every public third grade class in Worcester, providing a reading program, registering students for library cards, and providing incentives for library visits. With generous support from a private bequest to the Worcester Public Library Foundation.
The Worcester ESOL Education Project*
This collaborative project with Literacy Volunteers of Greater
Worcester utilizes English-literacy software to
provide literacy training for adult learners.
With generous support from the Verizon Foundation.
MassBLAST*
This library internship program is designed for
first-generation college-bound high school students to expose them
to careers in library science and to prepare them with college research skills.
With generous support from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and from William F. and M. Elizabeth O’
Neil.
The Frances Perkins Branch Library at Greendale
Funding for new library furnishings, assisting with the redesign of this busy neighborhood branch library.
With generous support by the Fred Harris Daniels Foundation.
Computer Equipment at the Great Brook Valley Branch Library
In cooperation with the Gates Foundation, new and expanded computer equipment for this small branch library which specializes in youth services. With the generous support of the Hanover Insurance Group, and Edward N. Trachtenberg in memory of Victoria Trachtenberg.
The Worcester Public Library’s 150th Anniversary
Support provided for programs to celebrate the library’s 150 years of service to the community.
With the generous support of the Worcester Cultural Commission, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts
Cultural Council, a state agency.
Early Literacy Computer Stations*
New computer stations with preloaded software specifically designed to enhance literacy in preschoolers.
With the generous support of the Stoddard Charitable Trust.
The Penelope B. Johnson Fund for Intellectual Freedom
Programs in support of intellectual freedom will funded with the support of the many generous individuals who provided donations in honor of the Head Librarian.
Youth Collections
A collection of “easy reader” books for young readers purchased for the children’s room.
With the generous support of the Hanover Insurance Group.
Media Collections
A specialized collection of theatrical performances on DVDs purchased to benefit those interested in dramatic
interpretations of classic literature and theater.
With the generous support of gifts provided in memory of Joshua R. Gold.
Cultural Heritage Month
Support for a month of cultural programs celebrating the heritage of Southeast Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe
and Africa.
With the generous support of the Worcester Cultural Commission, a local agency which is supported by the
Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Capacity Building and Operations*
The Worcester Public Library Foundation solicits funds for its own operations, providing critical resources necessary to allow us to advance philanthropic initiatives for library programs and services. With the generous support of the Worcester Public Library Foundation Board of Trustees, the Worcester Public Library, and numerous individuals, corporations, and foundations.
*These initiatives require ongoing support.
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