The vitality and continued excellence of the Ottawa Library are sustained through the dedicated efforts of two key initiatives: the Friends of the Ottawa Library and the Ottawa Library Foundation. Both groups work tirelessly to provide crucial support, resources, and community engagement that enhance the Library's services far beyond what municipal funding alone can achieve.

📚 Friends of the Ottawa Library

The Friends of the Ottawa Library is a dedicated volunteer organization committed to strengthening the Library's connection to the community and supporting its programs and services.

The Friends' mission is to advocate for the Library, raise funds for special projects, and sponsor engaging programs that enrich the lives of patrons of all ages. Through various initiatives, including book sales and membership drives, the Friends directly contribute to purchasing supplementary materials, funding educational and cultural events, and promoting library use.

Membership dues help:

• to fund Summer Reading programs for adults, teens, and children.

• support the Franklin County Children's Literature Festival

• donate books to several local groups such as LifeCare Center for Women, Sunflower Plaza Tower, and Hope House.

• fund the Pegg Carr Large Print Memorial Fund.

• fund O-Town Reads

• supplement Ottawa Library Endowment Fund

Volunteer opportnities for members include:

• using your personal skills or talents for a great community cause.

• assisting with Summer Reading Kick-Off day and registration.

• working in the the FOL Bookstore sorting, stocking, and selling books.

• outreach programs for Ottawa Library by assisting with fundraisers or information tables.

Consider gifting a FOL Membership

A gift membership to the Friends of the Ottawa Library isa thoughtful way to show support for your local library.

FOL Bookstore

The Friends of the Ottawa Library Bookstore is located at 209 E. 2nd St, Ottawa, KS. Booksales are held every Monday from 1pm to 2:30pm and the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 9am to noon (excluding holidays).

🏛️ Ottawa Library Foundation

The Ottawa Library Foundation is a philanthropic initiative established to secure the long-term future and enhance the resources available to the Ottawa Library.

The Library Foundation plays a pivotal role in helping to provide enhanced resources to the Library that are not covered by municipal funding. The Foundation firmly believes that the character and quality of a city depend significantly on the resources available to its people. Achieving full social and economic potential requires a great library as a fundamental requirement. The Ottawa Library is recognized as vital to the city's success, and the Foundation exists to ensure it is continually supported. Through endowments and planned giving, the Foundation provides the financial stability needed for innovation, expansion of services, and the maintenance of a premier community resource for generations to come.

🎁 Ways You Can Give and Support the Library

The ongoing excellence of the Ottawa Library is made possible through the generosity and involvement of our community. There are numerous ways you can contribute, ensuring the Library continues to be a vital resource for all.

• Monetary Donations: Financial gifts provide flexible support for the Library's most pressing needs, special projects, and programming.

  • Online: Make a secure contribution at donate.ottawalibrary.org.

  • By Mail: Send a check payable to the Ottawa Library Foundation to our main address.

  • In Person: Donations can be made at the Library’s Circulation Desk during operating hours.

• Friends of the Ottawa Library Memberships: By becoming a paid member of the Friends, your annual contribution directly supports Library programs, cultural events, and the purchase of supplementary materials. This is a direct way to advocate for and participate in the life of the Library.

• Material Donations: We welcome donations of gently used books, media, and other materials. These items serve multiple purposes:

  • Some materials may be added to the Library's main collection to enhance our offerings.

  • Others may be utilized as supplies for educational programs and workshops.

  • The majority are sold at the Friends of the Ottawa Library Bookstore, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Library.

• Planned Giving and Estate Donations: Through thoughtful estate planning, you can ensure your legacy supports future generations of library users. Options such as bequests, trusts, and other end-of-life contributions to the Ottawa Library Foundation provide crucial long-term financial stability and are a powerful way to leave a lasting impact.

• Volunteering Time and Skills: Lending your time, specialized knowledge, and unique skills is an invaluable gift. Volunteers assist with crucial tasks, help organize fundraising events, staff the FOL Bookstore, and contribute to the overall smooth operation of the Library. Inquire at the Library for current volunteer opportunities.

• Other Methods: Please contact the Library Foundation directly to discuss other innovative ways you can give, such as corporate matching gifts, gifts of stock, or in-kind donations of necessary equipment or services.