We are very fortunate to have a great library in our community, offering a wide variety of programs and services, free of charge, to a diverse group of patrons. The Shepherdstown Public Library Foundation exists to help ensure the library’s ability to achieve its mission. We help promote, fund and support the Shepherdstown Public Library.

Thanks to the generosity of the community, the foundation has been building both an endowment and a sustainability fund; one which, when large enough, will be able to provide steady income for the library and the other of which will be used to help with unexpected expenses.

As you are aware, public funding is subject to fluctuations.

The current allocations provide approximately 80 percent of the library budget. The rest is covered by donations. However, there is not enough left over to build cash reserves. That is where the foundation steps in.

We have more work to do, before ensuring sufficient funds are available to support the library during tough times. Please consider helping, by donating or volunteering to serve on our board! Donations can be made on the foundation website at splfwv.org or mailed to the library. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact us at splf@sheplibrary.org.

John Barton, of the Shepherdstown Public Library Foundation