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Supporting the Library Article Archives
originally published in the Williamsburg Regional Library Newsletter Ex-Libris
(Back to Gifts to the Library)
Year/Volume Topic Year/Volume Topic 2003 2004 Volume 1 Introduction Volume 1 Importance of wills Volume 2 Friends Volume 2 Eleemosynary Volume 3 Foundation Volume 3 Summer Reading/Lit-flicks Volume 4 Grants Volume 4 Planned giving Volume 5 Annual Summary/Appeal Volume 5 Online giving 2005 2006 Volume 1 Annual Summary/Appeal Volume 1 Annual Summary Volume 2 Bisland memorial @ WRL Volume 2 Gift Page update Volume 3 Shop&Share/Shop4Library Volume 3 Benevolink Volume 4 Health reasons to give Volume 4 Bisland Legacy Society Volume 5 Commemorative Gifts Volume 5 America's 400th Anniversary 2007 2008 Volume 1 Annual Summary Update Volume 1 Golden Gift Certificates Volume 2 Life Insurance Volume 2 Leave Your Legacy Month Volume 3 Leave A Legacy Volume 3 Get Richer by Giving Volume 4 Community Support Volume 4 Coming Soon Volume 5 Season's Greetings Volume 1 Introduction
Your private support of the Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) helps make this great library even better. In 1932 Library co-founder Anne Turner Chapman said, "When questions are asked about our Williamsburg Free Library, we are accustomed to say that its creation, its present, and its future rest on faith, hope, and charity..." Mrs. Chapman’s words remain true.In addition to supporting the Library directly, there are two distinct agencies that accept donations in support of the Library: The Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library and the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation. Gifts to the Library, the Friends, and the Foundation all are tax deductible. Each of these organizations fulfills a different role of the Library’s overall fund-raising efforts. This month I want to briefly explain about donations that directly support the Library.
In large part WRL receives support in the form of in-kind donations, commemorative gifts, and summer reading program support. From generous patrons we often receive materials, new and used. The items that fit into our collection parameters augment our collection. Those that we cannot add are forwarded to the Friends for sale at a future date.
Many people choose to memorialize a loved one or honor a friend through a donation to the Library. We feel privileged to accept these commemorative gifts. During the spring and summer our children’s department fund-raising is in high gear. We solicit support from area and national businesses for Summer Reading incentives and Wheel of Reading auction prizes. These contributions are sometimes checks, but also often the coupons, posters, and trinkets that our children covet as they read through each summer. (back to top)
Volume 2 Friends
Since opening in 1909 with 50 books from the State Free Library Commission, our community has generously supported the Library. Today we receive support from the localities, without which we could not operate. The Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL), a separate 501(c)(3) organization, augments public support through book sales and membership dues.Formed in 1972, the Friends Board, hard working volunteers, and the solid membership base give close to $50,000 annually back to the Library. Revenue earned through the Book Nooks (on-going book sales) totaled over $25,000 in 2002. Think about how many books, magazines, and records were purchased at a quarter to a dollar each to reach that amount. The Book Nooks are maintained by a group of Friends volunteers who devote 80 to 90 hours monthly to the sale shelves. Without them, and you, the Book Nooks could not succeed.
The spring and fall book sales attract local and state residents. Known as one of the best deals in towns, volunteers, Friends members, and the public at large come together to expand their personal libraries, while supporting their public one. It is great for everyone.
Without the annual memberships, the Friends would not exist. Flip to the back page of this newsletter to see all five membership levels. There are about 750 Friends members in our community. If you are not one, you should join. Friends members receive the Library Newsletter in the mail and also can preview Friends biannual book sales.
The Friends of WRL use their funds to subsidize the Library newsletter, expand collections, and support innovative programming. Your gifts to the Friends have direct impact on the resources and services available to the community at the Library. (back to top)
Volume 3 Foundation
More than a decade ago (in 1992, to be exact) the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation (WRLF) was established. The brainchild of the Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library and the Library staff, the WRLF exists to raise long term support in the form of grants, endowment, special project support, and planned gifts.At the forefront of WRLF efforts has been the Perpetual Book Fund (PBF) program. When you establish a PBF, you create a small named endowment that purchases materials for the library’s collection as income accrues. The new items are recognized with book plates in a name you designate. A PBF can be endowed to honor a special event, a person, a pet, or an organization. You determine the subject area, type of material, and the shelving location of the gift. Since 1994 our community has created 55 Perpetual Book Funds with topics ranging from children’s books, gardening, mysteries, and biography to ceramics, archery, music, and large print books.
The Library Foundation also is a partner of Leave A Legacy® Hampton Roads, a nationally recognized public awareness campaign that encourages people from all walks of life to include the local nonprofit organizations of their choice in their wills. Over the years, the WRLF has benefited from several generous bequests that have created a legacy supporting the entire community. You may wish to consider including the Library Foundation in your estate plans.
The WRLF has helped raise nearly $740,000. These funds supplement government support, expanding the programs, technology, and collections that the Library provides to you. Library Co-Founder Anne Chapman said once that charitable support was critical to enriching the resources and programs available to the community. The Library Foundation reflects her sentiment. (back to top)
Volume 4 Grants
One of the largest support sources any organization can tap into is competitive grants and awards. The former connotes funding. The latter may not include cash, but translates into support through expanded credibility and awareness. At the Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL), we actively pursue grant and award support. Nearly every library department has submitted proposals. As a result library programs such as BookSmart, Feed Me A Story, Book Buddies, Gab bags, and the Mobile Internet Learning Center have been offered and nationally recognized.To help in grant writing at the Library and in the community, there is the Funding Research Center (FRC). Created through a partnership between the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation and the Library, the FRC includes printed and on-line resources. Printed materials are available in the collection at the Williamsburg Library (515 Scotland St., Williamsburg). The FRC web site is http://www.wrl.org/depts/admin/frc.html. The Center is intended to assist area nonprofit organizations in their search for funding opportunities as well as provide "how to" information about developing and administering a fund raising program.
Each summer the Library hosts training through the Grantsmanship Center, Inc. It is designed to give participants the opportunity to develop and hone their grant writing skills. This week long seminar also allows representatives from nonprofit organizations to learn more about applying for grants.
The Williamsburg Regional Library has received numerous prestigious awards and grants including the Loleta D. Fyan Award (American Library Association), the Lee Elliott Memorial Award (Mill Brook Press), and awards for programming, web site and staff development from the Virginia Public Library Director’s Association. These awards and grants reflect and support the excellence in library resources and programming that WRL is proud to bring to our community. (back to top)
Volume 5 Annual Summary/Appeal
The new year is a good time to reflect on the accomplishments of the previous year and the events of the upcoming year. Library fund raising had its triumphs and challenges. WRL received grants from both the Williamsburg Area Arts Commission and the York County Arts Commission. The Phillip West Cancer Resource Center continues to be supported by Sentara Williamsburg Community Hospital. Our donors remain magnanimous and dedicated.The Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation is wrapping up its annual appeal to the community. Your generous contributions are wholly appreciated by the Foundation board members and library staff. The Foundation could not help the library without receiving your help first.
Members of the Friends of WRL will be pleased to learn that the Friends Board of Directors has modified memberships from being valid for a calender year (January to December) to memberships that are valid for twelve months from your renewal month. For example, if you renew your membership in March 2004, it will be valid through March 30, 2005.
During the 2004 transition to monthly memberships, Friends will receive renewal notices based on the month in which the 2003 memberships were paid. Someone who joined in May 2003 will receive a renewal notice in late May, 2004. Please note, if you joined between October 1 and December 31, 2003 your membership will be valid through December 31, 2004.
We look forward to your continued assistance in achieving the library’s mission of providing resources and programs that educate, enrich, entertain, and inform every member of our community. On behalf of the Williamsburg Regional Library, the Friends and the Foundation, thank you all for supporting us in 2003 and your continued help in 2004. (back to top)
Volume 1 Importance of Wills
Each year the Williamsburg Regional Library, the Friends and the Foundation receive over 1300 donations in support of our mission: Free access to information is a foundation of democracy. The Williamsburg Regional Library, a basic government service, provides that access through resources and programs that educate, enrich, entertain and inform every member of our community (approved by the Board of Trustees 2/28/01). Whether your donation is given directly to the Library, as a membership to the Friends or to establish a Perpetual Book Fund with the Foundation, your gift represents a commitment to the library and the community.Another way to invest in the Library is to include the Library Foundation in your estate plan. There are various ways to do this, including bequests, trusts and making the Library Foundation the beneficiary of an insurance policy or an IRA. When you decide to pursue one of these options remember to first consult with your attorney, financial planner and/or accountant. If you have remembered the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation in your estate plan please let us know. Testamentary gifts received by the Library Foundation have created a Children’s program endowment, underwritten a film festival, and supported public art.
Even if you do not make a planned gift, it is important to have a valid will. Without a will state laws impose predetermined formulas for the disposition of any and all assets of the decedent (Virginia Code Title 64.1) limiting your flexibility in disposing of your assets. A will written with the consultation of a professional, ensures that you can provide for those people and organizations most important to you. (back to top)
Volume 2 Eleemosynary
Eleemosynary (el·ee·mos·y·nar·y) is not a word people use every day. Dictionaries generally define it as "of, related to, or supported by charity." It can refer to performing an act of charity, to someone or something that is dependent upon philanthropic support or to being charitable. In whatever context, "giving" is the meaning of this eclectic adjective and for that reason eleemosynary should be kept in mind.The Greater Williamsburg area is a generous community. In January 1999 the Virginia Gazette announced that the Urban Institute, a prominent Washington D.C. think tank, rated Williamsburg as having the highest level of social capital per resident of any jurisdiction in the country. According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, residents of James City County, Williamsburg and York County donated between 6.3 and 7.3 percent of their discretionary income to charities in 2003, levels that compare favorably with the average 7 percent giving rate in this region. Given the altruism of our community could this multi-syllabic word be used more often?
Maybe it is an unnecessary challenge to employ such a long word in place of words like charitable, giving or generous. Parents have enough to do without teaching their children this word, especially if they exemplify it in their actions. Studies show that charitable giving is an inclination that is often learned by children from people around them. Perhaps if we applied this little known term more often in our lives, we all would be of a more eleemosynary disposition. You can start today by making a donation to the library, joining the Friends or contributing to another cause that is close to your heart. Worry about using eleemosynary in a sentence later. (back to top)
Volume 3 Summer Reading/Lit-flicks
WRL has many programs that are made possible in part through the support of private donors. Such giving allows the library to offer resources and programs that can benefit the entire community. Summer Reading programs, Lit-Flicks and the Gab Bags are three great examples of how private contributions augment and enhance library activities.Coinciding with the hot weather are the Summer Reading programs. Summer Reading, Wheel of Reading, Treats for Teens and Goodies for Grownups combine to encourage and reward readers of all ages to pursue recreational reading. With a variety of reading incentive prizes made possible primarily through local support from families, organizations and business, these programs are among the most popular offerings at the library.
The Lit-Flicks have proven extremely successful. They bring together film buffs and readers to discuss a movie and the book upon which it was based. In addition to the discussions, the library sponsors programs on topics related to each book and movie combination. Giveaways related to the events have been donated for most of the programs. These added perks make the events all the more memorable for the participants.
Each Gab Bag is a collection of eight to 20 copies of a title packaged together for two library-sponsored book groups, and for the members of the diverse book groups in the Williamsburg area to borrow, read and discuss. Because of the support of local philanthropists and the Williamsburg Community Trust, there are now over 50 Gab Bag titles available for checkout at the library.
Summer Reading, Lit-Flicks and Gab Bags are award winning resources and programs that act as a sampling of how your support helps the library better serve our community. We thank everyone who helps make available these extraordinary offerings. (back to top)
Volume 4 Planned Giving
Have you thought about your estate plan? A surprising number of Americans have not. As many as half the people who die in the United States each year do not have valid Wills. Without a Will state laws impose predetermined formulas for the disposition of any and all assets of the decedent (Virginia Code Title 64.1). A state imposed Will offers no flexibility and does not take into account your wishes. A Will written in consultation with a professional ensures that you can provide for those people and organizations most important to you.While bequests through a Will are the most common vehicle for a planned (a.k.a. deferred) gift for some people, other means work better. Remembering an organization by naming it the primary or secondary beneficiary of an appropriate life insurance policy or IRA is one common way to create such a gift. Charitable remainder trusts or gift annuities sometimes are used to structure tax advantage estate plans and deferred gifts. Remember to always consult with your financial advisor, attorney and/or tax consultant before making any final decisions about all estate and tax issues.
Williamsburg Regional Library has benefitted from several planned gifts. They have helped to fund children’s and adult programs, as well as established named endowments. Please consider including the library Foundation in your estate plan. In doing so you gain the opportunity to create a distinguished legacy through a bequest or other planned giving vehicle, while providing for the future needs of the library. If you have already included the library Foundation in your estate plan please let us know. We will be honored to recognize your generosity. Whether or not you include a charity in your estate, creating a plan is the most important step. (back to top)
Volume 5 Online Giving
It is easy and rewarding to support the library through traditional means such as donations of cash or check, in-kind contributions of books and other materials, and gifts of appreciated securities. A relatively new option for eleemosynarily inclined individuals is to use the Internet. Donors are going online now more often than ever to make charitable gifts. According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy online donations topped $100 million in 2003, up from $60 million 2002 (COP, June 10, 2004). In today’s often fast paced society, using the Internet to make gifts is as viable and convenient an option as buying items from an e-store.The Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation accepts online donations in partnership with two nonprofits, Network for Good and JustGive.org. Network for Good tries to connect people to charities via the Internet, using their Web site to deliver real resources to nonprofits and communities. Justgive.org works to connect donors with the charities and causes they care about and to increase overall giving. Both organizations deduct a minimal 3% processing fee from all donations to cover transaction costs (the lowest amount among organizations that offer this service). Of critical importance for the donor is the fact that they employ encryption technology to ensure the security of online transactions.
The Library Foundation’s "donate now" buttons offer a way to make quick and secure donations, of almost any amount, in support of the library. All donations are tax deductible. As with traditional donations, online gifts can be designated for a specific library or Library Foundation program or fund. To make your contribution through the Internet visit the library’s gifts page online or use this direct URL www.wrl.org/depts/admin/onlinegiving.html. Whatever way you choose to give to the library, your support is always appreciated. (back to top)
Volume 1 Annual Summary/Appeal
With 2005 underway we extend our thanks to all 2004 donors for their generous giving to the Williamsburg Regional Library, the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation, and the Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library. Your contributions really do help the library everyday.2004 was another successful year for the library. The Foundation began its seventh annual appeal campaign. Each year donors respond unselfishly to this appeal, providing critical support funds. The Foundation also recently received a grant from the Williamsburg Community Health Foundation to increase the Funding Research Center (FRC) endowment. These funds will expand the FRC materials available to the community.
Last October, an all time high sales record was set during the Friends bi-annual three day book sale. The next big book sale happens this spring. In 2004, to make all memberships equal in length, the Friends changed to twelve month memberships from calendar year memberships. This year they plan to expand their membership base, as well.
The funds you give to the library translate into new materials, increased services, and innovative programs available to our community. For this eleemosynary support we are grateful. Thank you for your continued donations to the library, the Foundation, and the Friends. (back to top)
Volume 2 Bisland memorial @ WRL
On March 22, 1910, the Williamsburg Regional Library (then the Williamsburg Free Public Library) opened its doors for business. This was not the earliest incarnation of the public library; however, it was the first time the library operated from a rented room, rather than an individual’s home. It marked a momentous event in the history of this library system.Soon afterward another important episode occurred. Elizabeth Bisland Wetmore and Margaret W. Bisland donated books to the library in memory of their brother Percival Bisland. During his life, Mr. Bisland had owned Carter’s Grove. At his estate auction library volunteers purchased his personal library. When news of this reached Mr. Bisland’s sisters, they established, and in successive years expanded, the Percival Bisland Memorial Collection. Although the Bisland collection has been scattered by time, during the almost 100 years since, commemorative funds have continued to expand the library’s collection.
In many respects, the tradition of private community support for the Williamsburg Regional Library began with the Bisland family. Those books were not unlike the memorial donations received today that are used to purchase materials on topics designated by donors and appropriate for the library’s collection. The contributions sent by Mr. Bisland’s sisters offered a boon similar to the modern volumes donated to and resold by the Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library. Those early Bisland gifts also anticipated the establishment of named Perpetual Book Funds, each an endowment to purchase materials for the library in perpetuity.
While for many years the Williamsburg Regional Library has depended upon local government for its operating funds, private donations continue to be extremely important. The commemorative gifts, in-kind donations, and endowment support received from the community help the library continue to serve patrons, as it has since 1910. (back to top)
Volume 3 Shop&Share/Shop4Library
Each day more people are getting on-line to shop, research, communicate, and explore. A growing number of philanthropists also are turning to the Internet to support charitable causes. In fact you can make an on-line donation to the library when you next visit the Williamsburg Regional Library web site.There are also various on-line related programs that offer you ways to support the library. The Lion Shop and Share Program, offered through Food Lion supermarkets, allows anyone with an MVP card to support a participating non-profit. Whenever your MVP card is used, a portion of the total grocery purchase will be donated to the charity you have selected. To take advantage of this opportunity you must first enroll in the program by visiting Food Lion’s web site (www.foodlion.com). Click on the Lion Shop and Share Program link and follow the instructions. The Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation participates in the Lion Shop and Share Program.
An entirely web based program is Shop for the Library (www.shopforthelibrary.com). This business venture offers a virtual shopping mall featuring 700 on-line merchants including Expedia, Office Depot, Target, and Travelocity. To support our library a shopper simply visits the web site, chooses the Williamsburg Regional Library as the benefitting library, and completes the free registration process.
Using your Food Lion MVP card you can support any active non-profit organization included in their extensive list. With Shop for the Library you can help any public library in the United States. Both Lion Shop and Share and Shop for the Library require free enrollment to participate. The process is not arduous, so these options are available to you with minimal effort. If it seems too much, however, you can always write a check. (back to top)
Volume 4 Health Reasons To Give
Donors are donors for many reasons. These include giving because they believe in an agency’s mission, they feel compelled to support some cause, or they want or need a tax deduction. Among fundraisers it is commonly understood that the number one reason people make a charitable contribution is "because someone asked me."Saying I gave "because someone asked," does not, however, really get to the reason people make a gift. One compelling explanation lies with a person’s internal motivations, rather than external stimuli such as being approached by a charity. It turns out that donating your time and/or money is a natural way to make yourself feel good.
Studies show that people are healthier when they have a sense of purpose. Related research links supporting a cause with developing a sense of purpose. Knowing that you are supporting a cause (and helping), generates endorphins (neurotransmitters found in the brain that have pain-relieving properties) which in turn make you happier and keep the body feeling good. In short, the act of making a donation can make you healthier, both mentally and physically.
The next time you are asked to make a contribution of precious time or hard earned resources see it as an important component of your holistic self-help health plan. Enjoy making the gift and you will get more in return than a tax deduction or an invitation to a special event.
Clearly, not all people will find a sense of purpose from giving and charitable donations should not be seen as a guaranteed prescription for health. But like laughter, which has been documented as something that helps the healing process, you may also consider giving as good for the spirit. (back to top)
Volume 5 Commemorative Gifts
Donations from individuals who give directly to the Williamsburg Regional Library are most commonly commemorative. On average each year we receive over 100 such donations. They are made in honor or memory of a loved one or a special event, with the desire to pay tribute, while making a meaningful contribution to the community. More often than not, these donations are in memory of a family member or friend, but there are also times when birthdays, graduations, wedding anniversaries and other accomplishments are honored through a gift to the library.Commemorative donations received by the library generally buy materials for the collection. Donors have the option to suggest an area of interest and sometimes the format (i.e. print, video, audio, etc.) for whatever is purchased. When a resource is added to the collection a bookplate is included, so whoever takes it home knows that the item is particularly special.
The Williamsburg Regional Library takes quite seriously its role in helping pay homage to family and friends in our immediate community and beyond. With each gift comes an explicit understanding that materials purchased will reflect the donor’s stated intentions, as well as the best tenor of the honoree. It is, in fact, our privilege to have the opportunity to offer this service and we are grateful for the support received through commemorative gifts.
You may wish to consider making a donation to the Williamsburg Regional Library in recognition of the next important accomplishment or event achieved by someone close to you. Such a contribution will reflect your admiration for the person who the gift honors and increase the library’s ability to provide resources and programs that educate, enrich, entertain and inform the entire community, children and adults alike. We thank you for your support. (back to top)
Volume 1 Annual Summary
Greater Williamsburg is constantly growing and changing. Last year was no exception for the community or the Williamsburg Regional Library. 2005 brought unexpected challenges and welcomed developments.Most notable among the challenges was the loss of the Library’s bookmobile to an engine fire. Fortunately, no one was injured and the vehicle was fully insured. A new Mobile Library Services vehicle will be in place this spring.
During 2005 programs, circulation, and support all remained strong. Commemorative gifts were up 28%. Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library memberships and book sale revenues made it possible for the Friends Board to give over $50,000 in grants to enhance collections and resources, fund special programs, and expand Children’s literacy initiatives.
The community responded generously to the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation’s annual appeal. Donations to support Foundation endowments, operating needs, and library programs were received. Gifts to the Foundation included the creation of Perpetual Book Funds named for Katherine Mary Dudley, Pauline G. Totty, the Colonial Italian American Organization and the Weavers of the Word.
Certainly 2006 will present its own set of changes. Knowing that the community’s commitment is strong and generous, the staff and volunteers of the Library and Foundation and Friends Boards will continue to provide excellent programs and resources that education, enrich, entertain and inform every member of our community. (back to top)
Volume 2 Gift Page Update
As you peruse the April issue of Ex-Libris, you will discover that the monthly list of donors to the Library and the Library Foundation is not among its pages. Due to space limitations and time considerations most contributions will now be listed in the newsletter on a quarterly basis. The quarterly gifts page will premiere in July’s issue of Ex-Libris. Although our public acknowledgment of private support will be in print less frequently, monthly recognition of contributions can still be found on the library’s web site at www.wrl.org/depts/admin/current_gifts.html.Donations are always welcomed by and important to the Library. Gifts to honor or memorialize someone are deeply appreciated. Contributions to the Library Foundation supporting Perpetual Book Funds and related programs, as well as Friends memberships, will always have significant impact at the Williamsburg Regional Library.
We shall continue to extend our thanks to the community for your support and we shall notify friends and family about gifts, as appropriate. The Library staff also will continue to place bookplates in materials purchased through donations. Your support remains an important means by which we provide resource and programs that educate, enrich, entertain, and inform every member of our community. Thank you again. (back to top)
Volume 3 Benevolink
Charitable giving through the world wide web is fairly commonplace these days. Donors can make direct gifts through the Internet as well as find online ways to expand the impact of their purchases by shopping with companies that donate a portion of sales to charity. In 2005 Ukrop’s Super Markets adopted this tactic for the Golden Gift program.Last fall Ukrop's partnered with Benevolink to enhance their Golden Gift program, making it into a year-round opportunity to support your favorite local charity. While the revised program offers great possibilities for Ukrop’s customers to help nonprofit agencies, each consumer must take a few minutes to register online with Benevolink (www.benevolink.com) in order to participate and designate a charity. Until you register (or "join"), you cannot participate in the Golden Gift program. The next time you are in the library remember to sit down at a convenient computer and visit the Benevolink website.
If you shop at Ukrop’s, take a few minutes to join Benevolink. Your efforts can directly benefit a local charity. While you are at it, please designate the library as one of your charities by adding the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation to your giving list. Also be aware that you will receive a quarterly email from Benevolink asking to you redesignate your favorite charity. Thank you for supporting the Williamsburg Regional Library. (back to top)
Volume 4: Percival Bisland Legacy Society
The forerunner of the Williamsburg Regional Library was organized during the first decade of the twentieth century. Soon after its doors opened the library received a contribution in memory of Percival Bisland (Ex-Libris, April 2005). Inspired by this early gift, the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation recently established the Percival Bisland Legacy Society to recognize those generous people who include a donation to benefit the Williamsburg Regional Library in their estate plans.With that in mind, as you prepare or amend your estate plans, consider making a final contribution in support of those persons and organizations you hold dear. If you choose to include the Library Foundation your gift will help cement your legacy as a supporter of lifelong learning, and you will be inducted into the Bisland Society. Naming the Library Foundation as a beneficiary of an insurance policy or retirement fund, testamentary bequest, or other planned gift, ensures the long-term support of the library.
If you have already included the Library Foundation as a beneficiary of your estate, or have questions regarding the Bisland Society, please contact the library’s development office (259-4042). Your continued support helps make the Williamsburg Regional Library a resource for the entire community. (back to top)
Volume 5: America's 400th @ WRL
America’s 400th Anniversary Commemoration is close. 2007 events are expected to bring international attention and tourists to our region. This anniversary is big and there is already a palpable combination of anticipation and trepidation about what 2007 will mean to our community.2007 is not the first recognition of the 1607 settlement. A half century ago (following in a tradition of celebrations), local residents, dignitaries and visitors came together to commemorate the 350th anniversary. With that in mind, the Williamsburg Regional Library is planning Jamestown Memories 1957 - 2007, a series of programs and exhibits that explore the meaning of 2007 for locals through a retrospective look at how our neighbors, family, and friends remember the Jamestown Festival Park commemoration (now Jamestown Settlement).
Your financial and intellectual support is crucial to the success of the Library’s 2007 programs. You may receive an appeal letter from the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation that offers the opportunity to support this cause through their annual appeal. Regardless of receiving such an official invitation, you can designate gifts to the Library’s 2007 programs. We also encourage you to add your memories of 1957 to our growing collection of such recollections.
For more information about supporting Jamestown Memories 1957 - 2007 please contact the Library Development Officer (259-4042) or the Director of Program Services (259-4071). (back to top)
Volume 1: Annual Summary Update
With all the turmoil in the world and demands on our time and resources, it is reassuring and refreshing to note that your support of the Library remains high. Gifts to the Library, the Friends, and the Foundation continue to help the Williamsburg Regional Library educate, enrich, entertain, and inform every member of our community. The Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation (WRLF), in particular, focuses its efforts on the Library’s future by building endowment funds and attracting planned gifts.The WRLF annual appeal received support from a record number of donors who made gifts in excess of $16,500. This appeal helps sustain the Library Foundation, as well as support library programs and collections. In addition, two new Perpetual Book Funds recently were established.
The Percival Bisland Legacy Society continues to grow. The society honors those who have included the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation in their estate plans and have informed the Foundation of their commitment. During the past five years the Library Foundation has recorded over $100,000 in planned and received testamentary gifts.
The WRLF’s support of the Library is possible only because of your generous giving. Community donations are critical to the success of the Williamsburg Regional Library. Thank you once again. (back to top)
Volume 2: Life Insurance
Community members support the Williamsburg Regional Library in many ways. People volunteer time, donate books to the Friends for resale, make commemorative gifts, and create endowments. Among the options for supporting the Library is to name the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation (WRLF) as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy.An insurance policy could be used to create an endowment, support specific programs or a provide unrestricted funding to be used where it is most needed. Anyone who informs the Library Foundation that they have included the WRLF in a life insurance policy (or other planned gift), becomes a member of the Percival Bisland Legacy Society. The Bisland Society was established to honor those who have noted their intention to include the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation in their estate plans.
While insurance is an important investment, occasionally, as life situations change, a previously purchased policy may no longer be necessary. Before using an insurance policy to support your charitable goals, always consult with your financial planner or attorney to learn about any tax or other implications associated with such a gift. A life insurance policy that exceeds your current requirements can play a major role in your charitable giving plans. We welcome your support. (back to top)
Volume 3: Leave A Legacy
Leave A Legacy is a program that works to educate communities about planned giving. The goal is "to inspire people from all walks of life and all income levels to think beyond their lifespan when doing good works." With this in mind, it is exciting to report that Leave A Legacy Greater Williamsburg will hold its inaugural events in September 2007.A study published in 2000 found that while 80 percent of Americans support charities during their lifetime, only about 8 percent of us create a lasting legacy through a charitable bequest. Clearly providing for ones loved ones is a paramount concern, however, including a dear charity among your beneficiaries is also an important consideration, both for your satisfaction and the long term needs of your favorite organizations. Leave A Legacy Greater Williamsburg hopes to encourage such charitable gifts to benefit residents throughout the area.
At the Williamsburg Regional Library, donors who have who have named the Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation as the beneficiary of a planned gift are included in the Percival Bisland Legacy Society. The dual purpose of the Society is to recognize these generous supporters and to encourage others to make similar gifts. Please take a moment to think about the organizations you value and consider how you can support them. (back to top)
Volume 4: Community Support
The Williamsburg Regional Library is fortunate to receive superb support from the community. As a basic government service, the Library’s primary funding comes from local municipalities, however, individuals, businesses, and foundations, often augment public funds with their private contributions. These donations make possible many of the special programs the Library offers to the community.For example, since 1994 residents and civic groups have established more than 70 small named endowments, known as Perpetual Book Funds (PBFs). PBFs purchase library materials using interest income. Through the program, 1000s of titles have been added to the shelves, expanding the mystery, gardening, biography, history, and children’s sections, among others. PBFs will continue to expand Library collections into the future.
Gifts from individuals, businesses, and foundations help provide funding for many of WRL’s award winning programs. Among them are the Gab Bags which combine multiple copies of the same book with prepared discussion questions for book groups to use. Looking to Learn is a literacy enhancement program done in partnership with area schools. Both of these programs would be limited or eliminated without private funding.
Support of the Library can be seen as enlightened self interest. Your investment in the Library is an investment that improve Library services for you and also benefits the entire community. (back to top)
Volume 5: Season's Greetings
The end of the year is only a few weeks away and that means many of us are turning our focus to family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and New Years resolutions. At year’s end, we are filled with the spirit of giving. Ironically, our imaginations often are stretched to the limit finding gifts for those people who "already have everything" or "don’t need anything."This dilemma is actually an opportunity to make a meaningful donation to an organization close to your heart, rather than purchase a traditional present. A contribution to the Library can add materials on a specific topic in honor of an individual, family or event. Each new item includes a bookplate, recognizing the honoree. The Library sends a letter notifying the gift recipient of the donation or arrangements can be made so the gift giver can directly inform the recipient.
If, in fact, you were inspired and already found all the gifts for all your family and friends that you are giving this year, then determine to make a New Years resolution. Promise to support your favorite causes and honor those important to you during 2008. As a bonus, you may be able to take a tax deduction. Seasons Greeting and happy gift giving. (back to top)
Volume 1: Golden Gift Certificates
Around greater Williamsburg there are plenty of ways to give to local charities. A favorite program, sponsored by Ukrop’s Supermarkets, is being renewed in 2008 for the benefit of generous shoppers and grateful non-profits, alike. The Golden Gift Certificate program is back!Golden Gift Points began accumulating for Ukrop’s Value Customers (a.k.a. people with a UVC card) on February 4th. During the program period, every $1 spent earns one Golden Gift Point. The program continues through March 29. Ukrop’s tally the points and in May mails each UVC households a certificate reflecting points earned.
You decide which charity to support by delivering your certificate to a particular group (e.g. the Library). In turn, organizations submit all points back to Ukrop’s. Ukrop’s subsequently donates a percentage of the value of the certificates to each designated organization. Fine print does state that households must spend at least $100 during the program period (2-4 to 3-29) to be eligible for points.
The Ukrop’s Golden Gift Certificate Program is possibly unique in the innovative way it allows the supermarket to support its community by involving community members. Ukrop’s Supermarkets plans to donate $400,000 into its markets through this effort. By participating, you increase the amount that benefits the Library or your favorite area charity. (back to top)
Volume 2: Leave Your Legacy Month
Last September, the Williamsburg Community Trust and the Leave A Legacy Steering Committee launched Leave A Legacy™ Greater Williamsburg. The program’s goal is to educate local residents about supporting causes important to them, through estate gifts. Leave A Legacy does not favor any particular nonprofit, rather the idea is to encourage generous donors to support charities with a legacy gift.Toward this end, Leave A Legacy Greater Williamsburg will sponsor Leave Your Legacy Month in May 2008. During May, several area attorneys will be available to draft a valid will or revise an existing will for local residents. There is a catch. These wills must include provisions to make a minimum gift of $1000 to at least one charity.
Including a charity as a beneficiary in your will can provide satisfaction and a legacy for you and your family. The Williamsburg Regional Library Foundation welcomes such planned gifts. For Library supporters the Percival Bisland Legacy Society recognizes these generous donors.
Leave Your Legacy Month is a wonderful opportunity for locals to examine their own estate plans, as well as help their favorite charity at a future time. More information about this exciting event will be coming from the Leave A Legacy campaign. Anyone with questions about Leave Your Legacy Month can contact the Williamsburg Community Trust at (757) 259-1660. (back to top)
Volume 3: Get Richer by Giving
More than once this column has noted that supporting your local charity, including the library, is good for you. It makes you happier, healthier and, according to a recent study, richer. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the Chronicle of Philanthropy reported (4/17/08, p. 34) on a study by Arthur C. Brooks, Professor of Business and Government Policy (Syracuse University, NY), that concluded exactly that.Dr. Brooks’ research shows that those who give in one year experience a rise in income the following year. The professor sees a correlation between charitable donations and increased income. Further, Brooks concludes that tax-deductible contributions stimulate the U.S. economy. Some experts are advocating giving rebates received through the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 to charities.
The study may simply reflect the fact that people who give the most tend to be people who have more to give, and generally are more likely to annually increase their income. However, it remains an intriguing thought that supporting your favorite charity could have a positive impact on our economy. Donating resources has been shown to reduce personal stress and promote a healthy community. It stands to reason that a healthy community encourages a healthy economy.
Dr. Brooks’ argument essentially is that we reap financial rewards (in addition to intellectual and emotional ones) when we support nonprofit organizations. So, here is another example of why supporting your library, or another favorite cause, is a wise proposition. (back to top)
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