Springfield-Greene County Library District
Springfield, Missouri
Build a Legacy of Literacy: Support the Library Foundation Through Endowment Giving
Libraries shape communities—and generous donors shape libraries. At the Springfield-Greene County Library Foundation, we invite you to become a part of our enduring story by supporting the Library through endowment giving. Whether you wish to establish a named endowment or contribute to an existing fund, your investment ensures lifelong learning and equitable access for generations to come.
Create a Named Endowment
A named endowment is one of the most impactful ways to support the Library’s mission. With a minimum gift of $10,000, you can create a fund in your name or in honor of someone special that provides annual income to support Library programs, services, and innovations in perpetuity.
Benefits of Creating an Endowment:
Enduring Legacy – Your support continues year after year through earned interest.
Personal Recognition – Create a fund named in your honor or in tribute to someone you admire.
Purposeful Giving – Designate your fund for a specific Library need or keep it flexible.
Community Impact – Strengthen the Library’s ability to serve people of all ages and abilities.
To begin the conversation about establishing your own named endowment, contact the Library Foundation at foundation@thelibrary.org or call 417-616-0460. We’re here to help you shape a meaningful legacy.
Support an Existing Fund
If you’d prefer to contribute to an established endowment, your gift will go directly toward a cause close to your heart—whether that’s early literacy, access to technology, cultural enrichment, or preserving Ozarks history.
Current Endowment Funds
Big John Train Fund
Support the beloved Big John Locomotive at The Library Station. Your gift helps maintain this magical experience for young visitors.
Heirloom Seed Library Fund
Promote sustainability and self-sufficiency by supporting the Heirloom Seed Library, where patrons can borrow, grow, and return seeds for community use.
Library Outreach Fund
Help bring library programs, materials, and services directly into the community—especially to individuals who cannot easily visit a branch.
The Community Fridge Fund
Support our neighbors in need by filling our community fridges and funding related programming for our fridges in the Library Station, Midtown, and in Republic. Your gift ensures that those in need of fresh produce are able to access it while they visit our branches.
Preserving Ozarks History Endowment
Support the preservation and sharing of the region’s rich cultural history through digital archives, exhibits, and genealogy resources. This fund supports our Library District’s important work in our Local History and Genealogy Department.
Library Foundation Book Endowment Fund
Support the ongoing development of a diverse, accessible, and inspiring book and digital book collection for all ages.
Laton Endowment Fund
Created through a generous estate gift from Ursula Marie Laton, this flexible fund allows the Library to address high-priority needs as they arise. This unrestricted fund ensures our library exists well into the future and continues to be the library our community needs.
David Patillo Library Innovation Endowment
In memory of longtime IT Director David Patillo, this fund ensures the Library remains a hub for technological advancement and innovation.
Cultural Arts Endowment Fund
Fuel a love of arts and ideas through performances, concerts, author visits, and storytelling programs that promote cultural literacy.
Annie Busch Endowment for Early Literacy
Help maintain the Library’s leadership in early literacy through support for our 1,000+ annual storytimes, reaching more than 25,000 children and caregivers across 10 branches. This fund honors the legacy of former Library Director Annie Busch.