In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Andrew Carnegie granted money to almost 2,000 communities across the United States to establish public libraries. Through his generosity, the first Columbus Metropolitan Library was built. Andrew Carnegie envisioned a system where communities would continue to support and maintain their libraries long after the original grant money was gone. It is in this spirit that the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation was established in 1990 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The foundation relies on the contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations and has the authority to receive, hold, invest and administer property, and to make expenditures for the exclusive benefit of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation supports the library’s immediate needs and long-range goals through generous private donations, ensuring the library’s collection, programs and services will be available for generations of learners to come. To learn more about the programs and services we support, please see What We Support.

Leadership

The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation Board holds responsibility for the Foundation’s fundraising and investment activities. Meet our Board.

  • Barbara Derrow
    President
    Community Volunteer
  • Charles Fraas
    Vice President
    Casto
  • Tim Faber
    Treasurer
    L Brands, Inc.
  • Jennifer Massanova
    Secretary
    Community Volunteer
  • Stephen Smith,
    (Past President) Community Volunteer
  • Lauren Bonfield,
    LBB Law
  • Adam Brandt,
    Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease
  • Melanie DeAscentis,
    Community Volunteer
  • Scott Gaines,
    CoverMyMeds
  • DeeDee Glimcher,
    Community Volunteer
  • Lauren Hilsheimer Meier,
    BeecherHill
  • Tom Katzenmeyer,
    Greater Columbus Arts Council
  • Patrick Losinski,
    Columbus Metropolitan Library
  • Jeffrey Lyttle,
    JPMorgan Chase
  • Jordan Miller,
    Community Volunteer
  • Bill Remias,
    Huntington National Bank
  • Corde Westwater Robinson,
    Westwater Company
  • Renée Shumate,
    American Electric Power
  • Barbara Siemer,
    Desco Corporation
  • Catherine Strauss,
    Ice Miller
  • Ryan Swincicki,
    PwC

Mission

"Building resources for the sole purpose of advancing the mission of Columbus Metropolitan Library for generations to come."

The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation provides financial support for the Library’s greatest needs and highest priorities through generous gifts from customers like you. Every day Columbus Metropolitan Library provides vital services to the central Ohio community, like homework help for students, early literacy skill training for children and resume services for jobseekers. The need for the Library has never been greater and gifts to the Foundation ensure that our programs and services will continue to be available for free to all who walk into each of our 23 locations.

Learn more about the projects the Foundation supports and the many ways you can help the Library.

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Your generosity goes a long way

Your gift to the library supports programs that inspire a lifelong passion for reading and learning and provides vital services to members of our community in need.

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