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.

  • Stephen Smith
    President
    Community Volunteer
  • Barbara Derrow
    Vice President
    Community Volunteer
  • Jordan Miller
    Treasurer
    Fifth Third Bank
  • John Behal
    Secretary
    Behal Sampson Dietz
  • Adam Brandt,
    Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
  • Bob Carroll,
    Friends of the Library
  • Katie Chatas,
    Community Volunteer
  • Melanie DeAscentis,
    Community Volunteer
  • Tim Faber,
    L Brands
  • Charles Fraas,
    Casto
  • DeeDee Glimcher,
    Community Volunteer
  • Patrick Losinski,
    Columbus Metropolitan Library
  • Jeff Lyttle,
    JPMorgan Chase
  • Lynne Redgrave,
    Community Volunteer
  • Kevin Reeves,
    BP Energy Company
  • Corde Westwater Robinson,
    Community Volunteer
  • Barbara Siemer,
    Community Volunteer
  • 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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Make a Gift Today

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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