President’s Message

Our fiscal half year, July 2024 through December 2024 was highlighted by the formation of a Capital Campaign Steering Committee and an affiliated Honorary Committee, a third eventful Pride on the Page, and the reorganization and implementation of a significantly positive Annual Drive. We also tracked the continuing progress of library renovation planning, added experienced and talented Board members including new officers, and participated in a City Council Candidates Forum. We developed a modified Awareness campaign, a new “rack card” succinctly stating our mission, and a “case statement” for use with prospective major donors. We are also a proud recipient of a Jane Lykken Hoff bequest at the Inland Empire Community Foundation.

Internally, we initiated a documents retention project, added a part-time administrative support person, updated our by-laws, established giving levels for donor recognition, extended our part-time Executive Director, and selected a consultant to assist with the Capital Campaign. We are also pleased to report that the Trustees and Foundation have reached a fundraising agreement whereby the Trustees will match contributions made to the Foundation up to $1,000,000. This represents a significant, tangible goal for the Foundation to pursue.

I want to thank the Palm Springs Public Library Trustees once again for authorizing a grant to fund a three-year extension of our Executive Director compensation, and the City of Palm Springs for a third Pride on the Page grant. This financial support is much appreciated by the Foundation and is a continuing sign of confidence in our direction and efforts. I would also like to recognize the contributions of Craig Borba who recently stepped down from leading the Library Trustees. Craig was a great supporter of the Library and of the Foundation and we will miss working with him.

Going into the second half of our fiscal year, we see opportunities to continue to plan for donation solicitation projects and special events supporting our cause. TheLibrary building will be closing in the spring and relocating to temporary quarters, but all are excited about the prospect of the reimagining work to begin in earnest.

-Bill Wylie