End of Year Giving: Support Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library

Sandi Lee is President of the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library

 

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library on Giving Tuesday! If you are looking for end-of-the year tax deductions for 2024, you still have time to support BPL by giving to the Friends Foundation of BPL.

 Your gift ensures that BPL continues to provide the highest-quality experience of lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment to the Birmingham community. 

 The Friends Foundation of BPL is led by President Sandra "Sandi" Lee. Sandi worked 25 years at BPL in several roles, including interim executive director and deputy director, until retiring in 2018. After retirement, Sandi began volunteering at the Friends Bookstore inside the Central Library downtown, then joined the Friends Foundation. 

Sandi was elected president of the Friends Foundation of BPL in 2021, and her faithful work supporting BPL led the City of Birmingham to name Sandi Lee as a StrongHer winner in March 2024, an honor recognizing women whose contributions make Birmingham a better place.

 In a Q&A, Friends of BPL President Sandra "Sandi" Lee talks about why BPL is so special to her and how your contributions help our libraries improve the City of Birmingham.

BPL: Even though Giving Tuesday is over, explain how people can continue to give to BPL through the end of the year, gain valuable tax breaks for 2024 and help support our libraries.

Sandi: Even though Giving Tuesday has passed, you can still make a meaningful impact on the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) and enjoy valuable tax benefits for the 2024 tax year. 

Here's how to help support BPL: 

• Donate Now: You can make a donation to the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library by going to the Friends Foundation of BPL website and clicking on the Donate Now button. You can also donate via the BPL website by clicking here. Your contribution will help support essential library services, programs, and resources.

 • Year-End Giving: Consider making a year-end donation to maximize your tax deductions for the current tax year. The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library is a 501©3 non-profit organization and as such, contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. 

By supporting the BPL through the Friends Foundation, you're investing in the future of our community. Libraries play a vital role in providing access to education, information, and cultural enrichment for people of all ages. Your generosity will help ensure that the BPL continues to thrive and serve our community for years to come.

BPL: What led you to start volunteering at BPL after serving faithfully in several leadership roles for 25 years until retiring from the library in 2018

Sandi: After dedicating 25 years of my life to the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) in various leadership roles, retirement in 2018 brought about a sense of both freedom and loss. While I was exploring retirement opportunities, I missed the daily engagement with the library community and the sense of purpose that came with contributing to its mission. 

Volunteering at the BPL after retirement felt like a natural progression. It allowed me to stay connected to the institution I had grown to love, while also providing me with a valuable outlet for my skills and experience. I believe that libraries are essential pillars of our community, and I am proud to continue supporting their vital work in fostering literacy, education, and lifelong learning for all. 

BPL: How did it feel to see your hard work honored earlier this year when the City of Birmingham named you as a StrongHer winner, celebrating women who make a difference in the community. 

Sandi: Being named a StrongHer winner by the City of Birmingham was an incredibly humbling experience. It was a powerful reminder that my contributions, however small they may seem, have made a positive impact on our community. To be recognized alongside so many other inspiring women was truly an honor. This recognition has given me renewed energy and motivation to continue my work and inspire others to get involved in making Birmingham a better place for everyone. 

BPL Name some of the biggest contributions you feel our Birmingham libraries make in the community.

 Sandi: The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) makes numerous significant contributions to the community. Here are some of the most notable:

 • Fostering Literacy and Education: The BPL plays a crucial role in promoting literacy and lifelong learning for people of all ages. Through its collection of books, digital resources, and educational programs, the library empowers individuals to expand their knowledge and skills.

 • Bridging the Digital Divide: In today's increasingly digital world, access to technology is essential. The BPL provides free internet access and computer workstations, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect and learn online, regardless of their socioeconomic background. 

• Supporting Community Engagement: The BPL serves as a hub for community engagement and cultural enrichment. It offers a wide range of programs and events, such as author talks, film screenings, and workshops, that bring people together and foster a sense of community. 

• Providing Essential Information and Resources: The BPL serves as a valuable resource for information and research. Its knowledgeable staff can assist patrons with finding reliable sources, conducting research, and navigating complex topics.

 • Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Space: The BPL strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone in the community. It is a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can come together to learn, explore, and connect. By providing these vital services, the Birmingham Public Library makes a significant and positive impact on the lives of countless individuals and strengthens the fabric of our community. 

BPL: For people unfamiliar with the Friends Foundation of BPL, explain what it is and what it does.

Sandi: The Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to support the programs, services and partnerships of the Birmingham Public Library.

 Here's what we do:

 • Fundraising: The Foundation raises funds through various initiatives, such as membership drives, special events, and individual donations. These funds are used to support a wide range of library programs and services. 

 • Advocacy: The foundation advocates for the library within the community, raising awareness of its importance and promoting its value to the public. 

 • Volunteer Support: The Foundation recruits and manages volunteers who contribute their time and talents to support initiatives, such as staffing the Friends Bookstore and assisting with special events. By working closely with the Birmingham Public Library, the Friends Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring that the library can continue to provide essential services and resources to the community. 

 BPL: How can people support Friends Foundation of BPL?

Sandi: There are several ways to support the Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library:

* Financial Contributions: Donate Online: Visit our website (link: http://www.friendsofthebpl.org/) to make a secure online donation. 

* Write a Check: Mail a check payable to "Friends Foundation of the Birmingham Public Library” and mail to 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 35203. 

* Membership: Join the Friends Foundation as a member. Membership dues provide vital financial support and Friends members receive benefits for supporting the library.

* Volunteer Your Time at the Friends Bookstore: Volunteer at the Friends Bookstore, assisting with sorting, pricing, and selling donated books.

* Donate Books and Materials: Donate gently used books, DVDs, CDs, and other materials to the Friends Bookstore. 

* Spread the Word: Advocate for the library and the Friends Foundation within your community. Share information about their programs and encourage others to support their work. By supporting the Friends Foundation, you are directly contributing to the success of the Birmingham Public Library and ensuring that it can continue to provide vital services to the community. 

BPL: Anything else to add? 

Sandi: Thanks for this interview and all that you do to serve BPL.

By Roy L. Williams, PR Director|Birmingham Public Library