Foundation History

Believing that public funds must be augmented with private funding if the library were to fulfill its mission, in 1996 the Library Board created and recruited Board members for a Library Foundation.  On April 10, 1996, Rochester Public Library Foundation was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Foundation Board received its first major gift of $25,000 from First Bank Rochester in December 1996. In November 1997, the Foundation raised an additional $20,000 for the Library with a benefit luncheon at which former First Lady Barbara Bush spoke.

The Foundation started the “Book a Year” Endowment fund in 1999. Current gifts of $500 receive a book nameplate in a new Rochester Public Library book.  You can work with staff to choose topics of interest for your special name.  This program ensures the library's collection continues to thrive, as Book a Year funds are designated to the purchase of new books.

In 2001, the Foundation inaugurated an annual gala fund raising event called “Wit, Wisdom, and Wine”.  This is held every January on a Saturday evening.  Guests paid to attend two 45 minute lectures and enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres and bid on silent auction items in a cocktail party atmosphere.  This gala evolves each year, but always includes delicious foods, beverages, and meaningful presenters.  The name has been shortened to WIT, to showcase the ingenuity, invention, and thoughtfulness of the Foundation.

In November 2002, the Mayo Clinic contributed $250,000 to establish the Foundation’s endowment fund.  They also established a challenge grant that would match, dollar for dollar, every gift up to $50,000 to the Rochester Public Library Foundation each year for five years.  In 2007, the Foundation met this challenge grant for the fifth year in a row.  As of January 23, 2026, the Endowment Fund balance was over $4,800,000.

The Foundation’s highest priorities for funding are:

  • Providing more services to the youth in the community and those who support them

  • Expanding collections and services for the benefit of all patrons, especially those most vulnerable

  • Providing ALL residents of all ages hands-on access to, and education about, technology

  • Developing new resources through pilot programs

  • Listening to community voices and educating the community about free library offerings