lafayette library

Library 2000

Over the last several years there has been a growing concern over the inadequacies of the Lafayette Library - space constraints vs. high usage levels, fewer open hours, limited parking, physical plant deterioration, and other issues.

Last winter a group of concerned Lafayette citizens, spearheaded by former Mayor and City Council member Anne Grodin, started meeting to discuss the needs of the Lafayette Library. This initial charter group spent over four months reviewing a wide range of information on library usage and the library needs of Lafayette residents. While people came together initially to discuss the need for a new library and ways to raise the necessary funds, they soon realized there was a greater need for an ongoing institution to fund other needs within Lafayette.

An informational meeting was held on September 12, 1999 to introduce the concept of a community foundation for the city of Lafayette. The meeting was attended by about 20 Lafayette residents representing a wide spectrum of community organizations and interests.

After hearing a presentation from Michael Howe of the East Bay Community Foundation on the concept and on the process of forming such an organization, the group agreed to serve as a steering committee to explore the launching of a community foundation for Lafayette. Collectively, they committed to participating in 10 hours of training under the direction of Michael Howe.

The impetus for forming the foundation was to create a vehicle for expanding philanthropy in Lafayette to support a number of projects and organizations which make the city such a desirable place to live and to continually improve the quality of life for all residents. Chief among the identified priorities was the construction of a new library which would contain an area illustrating Lafayette's 150 year history. Other priorities included support for programs for youth and seniors; schools, including the established Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation (LASF); visual and performing arts such as Lafayette's historic community theater; parks and open space.

At the completion of the training by Mr. Howe, the group agreed to form the Lafayette Community Foundation as an Affiliate Fund of the East Bay Community Foundation. They adopted as their mission statement the following:

"The Lafayette Community Foundation serves as a vital community resource, investing in programs and projects that promote and enhance the civic, cultural, educational and environmental health of Lafayette. The Foundation provides donors the opportunity to build a legacy by investing in Lafayette and beyond, through identification and support of community needs and organizations."

The Foundation has collected more than $100,000 to date, most of which has been designated by donors for the library fund. In addition, the East Bay Community Foundation has issued a challenge grant of $25,000 to its newest affiliate.

Newly elected officers are Anne Grodin, Chair; Lois Laine, Vice Chair; Marechal Duncan, Treasurer; and Fran Sticha, Recording Secretary. Other founding members of the Board of Directors are: Carol Applebury, Judy Carney, Suzanne Cunningham, Ann Denny, Mark Drevno, Bill Earnes, Michael Gibson, Anne Marie Gold, Tina Hogan, Bill Hoisington, Don Jenkins, Gwenn Hardin Lennox, Maeve Pessis, David Seaborg, and Susie Thurn.

Persons interested in making a contribution to the Lafayette Community Foundation may forward their gifts to the organization c/o Anne Grodin, 2 Mountain View Lane, Lafayette 94549.