Albert Wisner Library establishes foundation with eye toward new building

WARWICK-The Albert Wisner Public Library has established a new foundation and board of directors whose efforts will mean the “difference between a good library and a great library,” according to Donna Applegate, chairman of the board. The board of governors held its inaugural meeting on Oct. 5. “This is a milestone event for the library,” said Applegate. “Establishing a foundation and gaining community support is vital to the success of our beloved library. With private support, we can expand our collections, deepen our literary and humanities programming, update our materials and technology, and hopefully build a new library.” The Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation is a not-for-profit organization and will rely upon charitable contributions to address the needs of the library that are not met by traditional public funding sources. The library and foundation will work hand-in-hand to bring new learning and cultural experiences, emerging technology and community services to Warwick residents. The foundation’s mission is to raise private funds to supplement public support for the library and to provide programs, services and facilities that meet the growing needs of the Warwick community. “Raising private funds is critical to the advancement and success of your library,” said Leslie Burger, executive director of the Princeton University Library and president-elect of the American Library Association who served as the foundation’s keynote speaker. “You have done everything right, especially in the face of adversity given the library’s size and physical restrictions. Establishing a foundation is the best thing your library can do to meet the needs of your community.” The foundation elected a board of governors and related appointments, which include: Donna Applegate, chairwoman; Anthony Lampazzi, vice-chairman; Rosemary Cooper, president; W. Christopher Lenhardt, vice-president; Jennifer O’Connor, secretary; Carol Mezzetti, treasurer; Rudell Breedy; Albert Buckbee; Joseph Debold; Patrick Gallagher; Paul Kane; Colleen Larsen; Michael Newhard; Terry Quint, and Polly VanderKruik. The law firm of Donovan, Dickover, Donnelly & Biagi, was appointed as attorney for the foundation, and the accounting firm of Nugent & Haeussler as accountant and auditor. The first gift to the foundation came in July 2005 from Patricia Kiley, in memory of her late husband Richard Kiley, the actor, Warwick resident and library supporter. The donation was in honor of his legacy, and a commitment to preserving and promoting his passion for cherishing the spoken and written word. For more information or to make a gift to the foundation, call 986-1047 or write to rcooper@rcls.org.