Looking Back and Forward!
Your incredible support and commitment made 2024 a resounding success for the Stillwater Public Library Foundation. We are grateful for all that you have contributed which allowed for some remarkable achievements, including: -
Over $240,000 donated to the library to support materials purchases, additional staffing support, expanded hours on Sundays to better serve the community, and much more.
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25% increase in year-end giving and overall annual giving that exceeded our goals demonstrating the generosity of our donors.
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A new logo and tag line and a quarterly e-newsletter to help increase awareness of the Foundation in our community.
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Three successful events - Light a Spark (despite the weather), For the Love of the Library, and the launch of Townie Tuesday at Lift Bridge Brewing.
Looking forward to 2025, we're excited to build on this momentum and will be: -
Providing a 30% increase in financial support for library initiatives to respond to community needs.
- Hosting a donor appreciation event to celebrate the people who make this possible - you!
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Strengthening our organization by pursuing the standards of the Charities Review Board.
Most importantly, thank you for your belief and passion for our library. It is your partnership that exponentially expands the reach and impact of Stillwater Public Library. |
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| Elsbeth Howe Executive Director &
Stillwater Public Library Foundation Donor |
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The Library's Hottest Check-out |
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It might surprise you to learn that the most checked-out item at the library is Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. Thanks to donor support, the library offers 38 hotspots for checkout. In 2024, Stillwater Public Library patrons checked out hotspots 348 times.
Mobile hotspots allow users to connect their phone, laptop, or other devices to the internet. By making the internet accessible and affordable, the library ensures that all community members have the resources they need to succeed. |
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"One of our regular patrons recently stopped by the desk to share that he borrowed a laptop and hotspot to help with his job search—and he was happy to report that he got a job!
Access to these resources, funded by the Stillwater Public Library Foundation, is essential for community members who rely on the library for access to technology and the internet." – Sarah Rosten, Information Services Supervisor |
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| Why I Give: A Donor's Story |
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| For over a decade, Drew Arnold has been a dedicated supporter of the Stillwater Public Library Foundation. As an avid reader, Drew is usually reading at least three books simultaneously, often with a good mystery in the mix. |
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Drew and his wife, Laurie moved back to Stillwater in 2004. And in 2020 Drew retired from a career in genomics, which took him around the world. Today their passion for the sport of curling and visiting their family feeds their travel bug.
As sustaining donors to the Stillwater Public Library Foundation, they are ensuring that Stillwater Public Library has the resources it needs to serve our community. |
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" We donate monthly because it’s an easy way to make a lasting impact. You can set it and forget - and we know our monthly contribution is supporting the library consistently. It's a commitment that is a simple way for us to make a difference." |
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Drew is currently serving as vice-president of the Stillwater Public Library Foundation board. |
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| | Mary Ann Sandeen was a devoted advocate for the Stillwater Public Library for more than 30 years. With her passing on January 14, 2025, she leaves behind an unmatched legacy of service and commitment.
Recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the city and the library, the Stillwater City Council declared December 18, 2024, as Mary Ann Sandeen Day!. |
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Mary Ann was a founding member of the Stillwater Public Library Foundation and remained an active board member until her passing. In 1998, she helped establish the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library, later serving as a board member and president. Under her leadership, the Friends' book sales generated more than $190,000 in revenue to support the library.
In 2021, she was inducted into the Friends’ Hall of Fame and recognized as a Standout Friend by the Minnesota Association of Library Friends. Mary Ann’s dedication, leadership, and love for the library will be remembered for years to come. She will be tremendously missed. |
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The Stillwater area community is rich with opportunities to support libraries, authors, reading, and education. In each newsletter we'll share a few opportunities that we think you might enjoy. |
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| Friends of the Stillwater Public Library Book Sale April 9 - 12
Save the Date! Browse a fantastic selection of gently used books—most priced at just $1 or $2. Every purchase supports Stillwater Public Library. |
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| Author Events in Stillwater
Thank you, Valley Bookseller, for being a Signature Sponsor of the Foundation's For the Love of the Library. Valley Bookseller offers several opportunities to meet bestselling authors. To access their event calendar click here. |
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| Connect with the Foundation! Connect with us by following us on social media.
Facebook and LinkedIn |
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