EPL is bringing more than ever to Evanston this summer...and we need your help.
At EPL, we are constantly creating opportunities to engage with each other. Summer this year is busier than ever with reading, learning, and engagement! Here's what's happening:
STEM Camps: For the first time, EPL has partnered with District 65 to host summer STEM camps for 40 students in 3rd - 6th grade at both Robert Crown and the Main Library. These camps pack a lot of STEM skills into six weeks, including robotics, gardening, sewing, coding for music, and film making.
ABC Boosters: One-hundred ten (110) rising kindergartners are preparing for school this summer with language development, building background knowledge, and developing alphabet fluency through ABC Boosters, in partnership with District 65, District 202, Youth Job Center, and the City of Evanston.
Pop-Up Library: EPL staff are bringing pop-up libraries to parks, camps, and beaches this summer, as well as City of Evanston summer events. Last summer, EPL Librarians gave away over 2,500 books and 2,000 STEM projects for kids, and created library cards for anyone who needed one, at more than 65 events. Find us in your neighborhood this summer.
Committing to this level of outreach means committing more funds for more staff, materials, and books over the summer. But this is a priority for EPL, because we know that summer reading and learning helps keep minds engaged and open, even when school’s closed and we’re at the beach or in the backyard!
|
 |
 |
|
Don't let summer fun get away!
There's still A LOT of activities for everyone on our summer calendar. Here are just a few examples of upcoming programs:
|
All events and details are available on EPL's calendar of events.
 |
|
Your gift supports programs that build access and diversity, like summer STEM camps, Pride picnics, and much more. Join us this summer in our goal to raise $150,000 to mark our 150th anniversary by growing the Library’s most valued programs and services. |
|
A gift of any size is an affirmation that this community understands the value of our public library, where all voices are heard.
Thank you for giving!
Join EPL's Leadership or Monthly Giving and support our inclusive programming
A gift of $10 per month supports the diversification of our collection, such as purchasing as many as 12 books by authors with known underrepresented identities. Monthly Giving also spreads the Library Love across the year. Choose the “Recurring Donation” box on the gift form to choose this option.
Leadership Gifts of $1,000 or more supports programs that encourage dialogue, such as the Dedicated to the Dream program, a family workshop designed for children and families to talk about race together and affirm all shades of skin.
|
Why taxes aren't enough
While property taxes are the majority of the Evanston Public Library’s income, this tax revenue does not fully fund EPL’s work. In FY2023, 12.1% of EPL’s overall budget, or approximately $1 million, will come from non-tax revenue such as grants and individual donations. Without these donated dollars, EPL would not be able to provide the programs and services it does today.
EPL receives significantly less from taxes than our peer libraries in the surrounding area. On average, EPL receives $93 per resident per year in taxes.
 Donations to the Evanston Public Library are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Your donation provides general support to the Library. The possibilities are endless, but our resources are not. We hope you’ll consider making a gift today — we need your support. Make your donation a recurring gift and spread your Library Love across the whole year!
 |
|
Thank You!
|
Together we are the Library!
For 150 years, the Library has provided educational, culturally-rich resources for all residents, helped children prepare for school through the joys of reading and learning, celebrated Evanston’s diversity, and helped residents find information they seek. The Library is more than a building of books; it is a place to meet, connect, learn, and explore. To learn more, visit www.epl.org.
Questions? Contact: Wynn Shawver, Chief Development Officer
wshawver@cityofevanston.org
Phone: (847) 448-8657
|
