Giving has always been an integral part of Mead Public Library's history. Its very creation was inspired by a gift from Sheboygan banker/industrialist James H. Mead in 1897. And, its development to a full-service library was enhanced by solicited funds from Andrew Carnegie in 1904, which enabled the board to construct the original library building.

Throughout the years the operating expenses of the library have been generously cared for via public funds. In 1939, when an American Library Association study concluded that additional space was needed, it was James Mead's bequest to the library that provided the necessary money to enlarge the library.

But the history of Mead is not only one of receiving, but also of giving - to the city, as well as the entire Sheboygan County Area community.

Mead Public Library is an incredible source for all types of research information, education materials, as well as art and recreational materials.

Mead Public Library is a member of the Eastern Shores Library System. Since state law requires that all library members of such a system must provide to the entire population of the system the same services which they provide locally, all residents of Sheboygan and Ozaukee Counties benefit from the services of Mead Public Library. Thus, all area residents may borrow books from the library, call the library for information, enroll their children in the library summer reading program, or attend any of the special public service programs provided by the library for adults and children.

Our library has a reputation for excellence. It's a reputation that's been earned...through the hard work of our staff, the support of government agencies, and the support of individuals within the community.

Excellence doesn't just happen. It takes the right materials and personnel to make the library successful. In order to maintain the quality of the services we currently provide, additional funds are needed.

The Mead Public Library Foundation, Inc. has been established as a source for continued funding. But, your help is needed, too. Through your donations to the Mead Public Library Foundation you can help secure a bright future for your library, and ensure the highest standards of excellence for which we've become known.

The Mead Public Library Foundation was incorporated in 1989 when the corporation directors determined to work together in order to continue the strong history of private support for Mead Public Library and its services. Many important purchases and services are possible only through the availability of privately contributed funds which supplement but never supplant City appropriations.

The mission of the Mead Public Library Foundation is to benefit the community by raising, managing and distributing funds to enhance the services, facilities and collections of the Library and to increase public awareness of Library needs and services. The Foundation is a 509 (a) (3) organization established to invest in, receive, hold, use and dispose of all property, real or personal, as may be necessary or desirable to carry out the interests of the Mead Public Library. All contributions to it are deductible to the extent allowable by law [501(c)(3)]. The Foundation spearheaded a successful capital campaign in support of the Library's Centennial Building Project which was completed in 1997. It has now launched a long-term Endowment Fund campaign.

The Mead Public Library Foundation Board of Directors has established the following donor recognition categories for cumulative gifts to the Endowment Fund contributed via the Renaissance Society by its members.
Recognition categories are:
Renaissance Society Member $500.00*
Shakespeare $1,000.00
Gutenberg $2,500.00
Da Vinci $ 5,000.00
Michelangelo $10,000.00
Patron $25,000.00 and beyond

*or $5,000 Planned Gift/Estate, etc. The Renaissance Society Member Roster will continue to recognize members as they achieve the named cumulative gifting categories above.

Each cumulative gifting category features both a Renaissance personage whose achievements have echoed through the centuries and the patrons whose encouragement and support made such great things possible. In the same manner, Renaissance Society members encourage and support achievement of the Mead Public Library Foundation mission.

Renaissance Society (PDF file) offers more information.

Throughout its history the Mead Library has received support from private individuals in addition to its public funding. Formation of the Mead Public Library Foundation strengthens the assurance that contributions will supplement but never replace public funds.

James H. Mead, the early Sheboygan resident for whom the Mead Library is named, provided funds for library construction through his will.

Ethel Everhard, a teacher, and Minnie Forrer, also a teacher, chose to continue support of the Mead Library in their wills. Their combined bequests support the Mead Library's ongoing series of public programs as well as major capital equipment purchases. And Josephine Rocca, a librarian, bequeathed funds to the Foundation through her will prior to her untimely death.

Private sector contribution to the Foundation's capital campaign made the Library's Centennial Building Project possible. Two major advance gifts provided the majority of the necessary funds. The first of these was from the Stefanie H. Weill Charitable Fund and the second was provided in support of the Henrietta A. Landwehr Children's Library Center.

The Foundation welcomes and appreciates gifts of any size. It was the large and small gifts of individuals, corporations, and organizations which enabled the Foundation to reach and even exceed its capital campaign goal.

Through investing together over time, community members who contribute to the Foundation's endowment fund will achieve a lasting source of revenue for the enhancement of Mead Public Library's collections and services.

You, too, can support the Mead Library through a gift or creation of a will which will benefit the Library. In addition to current gifts, the Mead Public Library Foundation accepts bequests or trusts for its endowment fund. This can be an effective and convenient way of continuing your support for the Library after your death.

Wills and trusts are practical and flexible. They may permit more of your money to be used for your designated purposes rather than for payment of taxes. Your attorney can prepare a will or a trust which enables you to support the Library through a major gift in a stated dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or conveyance of assets such as a home, stock, or valuable collections. (Click here for information for estate planning professionals.)