Join our Summer Reading "Granny Goals" Matching Challenge
Yes, it's true! A generous Lawrence grandma (AKA "Granny" as her grandkids call her) wants every Lawrence kid and teen to read all summer long. So, for every book they finish for the LPL Summer Reading challenge, Granny will donate $1 to the library — up to $10,000!
Whether you're a granny, granny wannabe, or just a regular person who believes in the power of kids and reading, help us match Granny's $10,000 goal. You gift connects young people with books, storytimes, and pays for free STEM/STEAM programs all summer long!
2021 TOTAL RAISED: $436,000
LIBRARY PROGRAMS FUNDED: 100%
Libraries transform communities and we need your support.
Access to information, resources, and technology is both essential and critical. Without it, the world is harder to navigate, people and help can feel out of reach, and keeping up with advances in technology can make all the difference in finding employment and staying connected.
The Library Friends & Foundation (LPLFF) provides access and opportunites for Lawrence to learn, connect, create, and grow and you can help sustain our efforts at any level.
From donating books, making a financial contribution, or including the library in your estate plan — your gift will make a life-changing impact.
News & Events
LPLFF Events
Events
Miles Schnaer Book Launch
Join KU Coach Bill Self to celebrate the launch of Miles Schnaer's new book, Take the Crown! One of Lawrence's most beloved entrepreneurs, Miles will share stories of his 40+ years in business. Your $25 ticket includes breakfast and a signed book. Reserve now.
New Book Program for Kids!
Dr. Bob READs, a new library book giveaway program, provides free books to kids that embrace integrity, diversity, equity, and belonging, and amplifies the voices of historically marginalized communities. Dr. Bob READs combines the missions of the READ Lawrence, opens a new window project and the Dr. Bob Reader program, created in memory of late KU Athletic Director Dr. Bob Frederick.
Look for the roll out this summer as part of the debut of “Dottie,” the library’s outreach vehicle. The LPLFF, together with the READ Lawrence founders and Frederick family, is delighted to bring this new program to Lawrence's kids.
Join us at Retirement Boot Camp!
Retirement Boot Camp (RBC) is funded by a generous grant from Capitol Federal Savings Bank.
RBC helps you transition into or greater enjoy your retirement through relevant programming, classes, social activities, online resources, and sharing the experiences of other retirees.
Get Involved
Find us at 7th & Kentucky Streets on the back side of the library!
Book Sales & Donations
Every donation or purchase you make supports the library.
From shelving, working book sales, and greeting patrons, we need you!
Volunteer
Give back to the library and meet fellow book lovers.
Jack & Maureen Altman are big library fans — Jack even bakes treats for staff!
Ways You Can Give
Help support and sustain our efforts at any level, from dropping coins in our Fish Fund, to making a financial gift and including the library in your estate plan.
We gave legendary Soul and Gospel singer Mavis Staples a gold library card!
What We Fund
- Dottie truck, retrofit, wrap, and equipment
- Susan Orlean author visit
- Summer Reading program
- Read Across Lawrence
- Deja's Reading Rainbow
- Retirement Boot Camp
- Sing & Rhyme Storytime
- Community Resource Needs: bus passes, hand warmers, hats, gloves
- Staff birthday coffee gift cards
- Children's picture book room renovation
- Support for Hoopla eBooks and eAudiobooks
- Public computer replacement and upkeep
- Kanopy movie streaming service
- SOUND+VISION Studio equipment
- Teen coding robots
- Volunteer appreciation events
- Honor with Books
- Outreach books for kids
- Spanish translation services
- Marketing support
- Fish in Children's Department
- Lobby plants
- Seed Library
- Mergent Intellect Database
Learn more about how you can support your library.
The Lawrence Public Library Friends & Foundation (LPLFF for short) does a lot and we have a lot of fun doing it. For a deeper dive into what we do, check out our lovely, opens a new window 2021 Annual Report.
Kathleen Morgan
843-3833 x 131
Director of Development &
Community Partnerships
Angela Hyde
843-3833 x 114 / 149
LPLFF Program
Coordinator
Logan Isaman
843-3833 x 153
Fundraising & Library Volunteer Specialist
