Who We Are
Raising funds to raise the bar.
Wichita Library Foundation ensures Wichita Public Library has the funding necessary to provide abundant services, opportunities, and resources to better serve all Wichitans.
We are a group of visionaries—shaped by countless stories we’ve read and their impact on our lives—driven to strengthen one core of our city’s resources: Wichita Public Library.
Our goal is to unlock funding that fuels creative ways to satisfy our collective thirst for knowledge. We work to preserve and expand access to books, technology, and emerging resources that will spark a love for learning in future generations.
Our Mission
Inspiring our community to grow and learn.
The Wichita Library Foundation seeks private charitable support to create young readers, ensure digital inclusion, and provide access to information.
Our sole purpose is to create the means that makes resources “above and beyond” possible at the Wichita Public Library.
History Of the Foundation
More funding for more meaning.
Founded as a public/private partnership in 1987, the Wichita Library Foundation formed as a support following severe budget cuts by the City of Wichita.
Our founding mission was advocacy, fundraising, and building relationships to support the library that began with $89,000 in estate gifts and contributions.
To date, we’ve raised more than $12.2 million in grants, donations, and endowment income.
These funds have established a financial cornerstone that makes unique library programming and an ever-growing Library of Things possible.
Today, our support helps to expand the collections, offer innovative programming for people of all ages, and upgrade neighborhood libraries.
Board of Directors
Stewards of the Foundation.
Wichita Library Foundation’s board of directors contribute their time and diverse perspectives to further the library’s mission.
Past Foundation Board Chairs
2024 – Present: Kevin McWhorter
2023: John DeCesaro
2019 – 2022: Tim Moore
2006 – 2018: Don Barry
1993 – 2006: Marge Setter
1992 – 1993: Marvin Cox
1987 – 1992: Eric Larson
FAQs
Are the Foundation and Friends of the Library the same thing?
No, we are separate entities working from different aspects to contribute to the same vision and financial sustainability of Wichita Public Library.
Wichita Library Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit responsible for all fundraising and stewarding gifts and endowments to ensure the vitality and long-term growth of the WPL. We are governed by a board of directors. All of our private funds are used to enhance, not replace, funding received from the City of Wichita.
Friends of the Wichita Public Library is a membership group of library supporters and volunteers who help elevate the role of the library in the community. The Friends offer a way library lovers can donate books, volunteer for program needs, and advocate for the library. They also staff and operate the Friends Bookstore inside the Advanced Learning Library.
Is the Foundation new?
No, Wichita Library Foundation was founded in 1987. Our founding mission was advocacy, fundraising, and building relationships to support the library.
