The Mead Public Library Foundation, Inc. celebrated its 20th anniversary during 2009. It is a 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to providing financial support to Mead Public Library. Its mission is "To benefit the community by raising, managing, and distributing funds to enhance the services, collections, and facilities of the Library and to increase public awareness of the Library’s needs and services." Generous contributions to the Foundation supplement, but do not replace, public funding. Contributions may be specifically designated and are not to be used for basic operating expenses of the Library.

For example, during 2009 the Foundation contributed to the library income from investment of the major gift of Dr. Jerome M. Maas. This was used for construction of a spiral staircase connecting the Myrtle and Hazel Hansen Teen Library Center on the second floor with the planned Dr. Jerome M. Maas Teen Learning Center on the third floor. Phase one of the Maas Teen Learning Center is scheduled for completion in spring 2010. Income from investment of the Maas bequest also funded architectural and consultant services for the new teen spaces at the library.

The Renaissance Society is comprised of important patrons of the Endowment Fund. A successful membership event was held on Dec. 11. This Renaissance Yuletide Gala featured the Great Tree in the Quiet Study Room with catering services contributed by Library Board President and Foundation Director Bernard Markevitch with the help of the Friends of Mead Public Library.  

In 2009, seven new members joined the Renaissance Society and six achieved a higher cumulative recognition category.  One of the new memberships is in honor of the significant planned gift received from the estate of Dr. Roy Gordon Arnold Mersch. Thank you to these and all members for our continued success! The Renaissance Society now has three members recognized as "Patron" for cumulative gifts of $25,000 and beyond.

For the fourth year, the ACUITY Charitable Foundation, Inc. sponsored the Cool Picks reading program targeted to young adult reading development and retention. Approximately 800 local teens registered for the program. The Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to play a role in developing lifelong readers and learners!

The Foundation continues to oversee the investment, management and distribution of its operating, investment, and income accounts. Near the end of the year, the Foundation directors learned that the investments are recovering well following the challenge of the unfavorable global economic environment. The directors strive to assure that the Foundation investments benefit from active management of the monies for which the Board is responsible.

At the end of 2009, the Operating Account had a balance of $152,320. These monies include funds for basic operating expenses of the Foundation and funds given for designated purposes. The designated funds totaled $75,855.  

Many who have appreciated the library over the years generously donate monies to the Endowment Fund. The balance of the Endowment Fund at the end of 2009 was $743,815. The Directors continue to ensure only the earnings from the investment of the monies are used for furtherance of the Foundation’s mission. The Endowment Income Fund balance at the end of 2009 was $12,965. This is the fund that the Foundation drew upon for its financial sponsorship of the 2009 Sheboygan Reads program. It featured "The Green Steed" by area resident Betsy Jones Michael. The Foundation has committed to its financial sponsorship of the Sheboygan Reads program in 2011.

A number of years ago, a restricted gift from the estate of Dr. Jerome M. Maas established the Maas Endowment Fund. Dr. Maas requested the earnings from the investment of his gift be used to fund the expansion of Youth Services. The balance of this fund at the end of 2009 was $952,780. The income balance at the end of 2009 totaled $2,800 due to the uses of these funds discussed earlier in this report.

 
Nancy Z. Schreiber, longtime Foundation director and chair of the Endowment Fund Committee, retired from the Board at year-end. Linda Bosman, 2009 President, retired near year-end as well. Sandra Mai resigned earlier in the year for personal reasons. Alan Goldman was elected as a director near mid-year and Eleanor Jung was elected to a term starting in January 2010. We appreciate the dedication and contributions of all directors—retiring and newly elected—to the Foundation in support of the Library.  

Directors and officers of the Foundation Board for 2009 were Linda Bosman (President), Sheri Murphy (Vice-President), Konrad Testwuide (Treasurer), Eldon L. Bohrofen (Assistant Treasurer), Sharon L.Winkle (Secretary), James Cape, Alan Goldman, Barbara Gruber, William H. Holbrook, Jon Keckonen, Barbara Knauf, Pat Mahlendorf, Sandra Mai, Bernard Markevitch, Maeve Quinn, and Nancy Z. Schreiber.