SPRINGFIELD – Through literacy, learning, and cultural enrichment, the Springfield Public Library holds a cherished place in the community; however, securing adequate funding remains an uphill battle, threatening the sustainability of its diverse programs and services.
The Springfield Public Library Foundation (SPLF) is a group of volunteers committed to strengthening not only the library but also the Springfield History Museum. The Foundation hosts fundraisers throughout the year that support both essential pillars of literacy, learning, and culture for all.
“We believe these institutions are fundamental to the educational, cultural, and economic vitality of our community,” said Betty Goracke-Olguin, with SPLF. “The Foundation works year-round to ensure that the library and museum continue to grow, adapt, and inspire.”
In 2024, SPLF provided more than $95,000 in support through fundraisers, campaign donations, endowment funds, and grants from private foundations and public agencies.
“This partnership—between the Foundation, the City, and generous community supporters—is vital to sustaining the programs and services that residents rely on every day,” Goracke-Olguin said.
Some fundraisers include the annual Pints for Pages event at PlankTown Brewing Company, where a percentage of proceeds from food and drink sales supports the library and museum. End-of-Year Giving occurs in November and December, and the Books and Brew event typically takes place in January or February.
This year’s Books and Brew is on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. inside City Hall. The 15th annual event has raffles, games, prizes, food, drinks, and even a DJ. Ticket sales support the library and museum’s boundless services and programs. Raffle tickets are available for purchase online, too, if folks can not make it in person. Goracke-Olguin said the fundraising goal for the 2026 Books and Brew is $50,000.
“People love the laid-back atmosphere of playing games, eating and drinking in the library,” said library director Emily David. She explained that funds raised help pay for the event, but most of it comes back to the library and museum as a donation from the Foundation.
Beyond fundraising
The Foundation also encourages community members to consider the legacy they wish to leave through planned giving. Planned giving enables individuals to align their financial decisions with their personal values. Donations can come through end-of-year contributions or estate planning.
“Planned gifts may also offer financial advantages, including potential savings on estate taxes, reduced or avoided capital gains taxes, and the ability to satisfy required minimum distributions without increasing one’s tax bracket,” said Goracke-Olguin.
Donors can choose to make one-time contributions for specific projects or invest in the Foundation’s endowment fund, creating a permanent source of income to sustain the library and museum.
According to Goracke-Olguin, funds raised this year will support updated library materials, improved furnishings, and enhancements to the museum’s exhibits and gallery spaces. Community support will also expand equitable access to digital and audio collections through Libby and other downloadable books, movies, and resources, allowing patrons of all ages to connect with information and stories wherever they are.
The Friends fund yearly needs, and the Foundation focuses on long-term goals for the library and museum, according to David. The Foundation supported the purchase the library’s new self-check machines in 2023.
“As demand increases for the museum’s ILLUMINATION project collections, individual and business contributions will help develop traveling exhibits for Springfield Public Schools, extending the museum’s educational reach directly into classrooms,” she said. “Additional priorities include remodeling and gallery improvements at the museum, along with replacing worn vinyl chairs in the library’s adult reading area to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment.”
The museum’s ILLUMINATION project is an ongoing story and public history project that highlights and intentionally centers stories and experiences of people who have been historically marginalized and who are currently underrepresented in the museum’s collection.
Being good Friends
The Friends of the Springfield Public Library and the Springfield History Museum also host annual fundraisers. The Friends’ annual book sale is typically in the springtime and requires a lot of preparation.
According to Karen Salman, a long-time library volunteer and Friends board member, around 70 volunteers work the event and inquire months in advance to secure a spot.
“Some only come for an hour or two. Some come every single day. Some have certain things they prefer doing. We have some that just want to work with the kids’ books,” Salman said. One volunteer comes in the mornings just to count and greet people at the door.
The 2026 Book Sale is on March 13 and 14, starting at 10 a.m. Tables are borrowed from Willamalane to hold the spread for folks to peruse. Salman said volunteers have fun arranging the books in an attractive way.
Various genres of books are for sale, and most are only $2 each. Kids’ books are $1 each, and mass-market paperbacks are 2 for $1. The sale includes more than just books and offers CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks, as well as a unique, collectible section with posters, artwork, and individually priced books. According to members of the Friends board, the fundraising goal is $15,000 from the sale, and each year they inch closer to it.
“We have probably 350 boxes of books that we bring over. So it’s 10s of 1,000s of books, and it’s very popular,” Salman said. “On Friday and Saturday mornings, we always have a line way down the hall and out the door, and they’re waiting to come in at 10 o’clock.”
An agreement between the library and St. Vincent dePaul ensures that books deemed not library-worthy are donated.
“Anything we can’t use goes in their bins. They will either pulp things they can’t use or try to sell what they can,” Salman said.
With the City’s financial challenges, proposed budget cuts include a $500,000 reduction in the library’s budget. Goracke-Olguin said the Foundation remains committed to working in partnership with the City to help secure sustainable funding for both the library and museum.
“We continue to pursue grant opportunities, cultivate private donations, and support community fundraising efforts that strengthen long-term stability,” she said.
“The needs of our library and museum are growing, but so is the opportunity to make a lasting difference. We are proud to stand alongside our community in ensuring these vital resources remain accessible to all. Together, we can secure a bright future for the Springfield Public Library and Springfield History Museum.”
David said the Friends have helped fund both Teen and Adult Programs, and purchase databases such as Consumer Reports, Always Available Video on Demand, and A-Z database, which are all available to patrons with a library card.
The Friends have also helped expand on many book and materials collections. For example, by purchasing extra copies of the Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) books each year.
David explained how City’s library budget does not cover the costs of programs apart from staff salaries.
“We are dependent on the Friends and the Foundation as well as grants to fund our programming,” David said. “When people donate at Books & Brew or in any other way, they are helping us provide programming to all ages, and in Spanish, for our community – from literacy and STEAM education programming to cultural performances and community gatherings.
“They are also helping us fund extended book and database collections for the public to access. The donations from the community let us go from being a space with only books and computers to a vibrant community gathering location where hopefully everyone can find something that interests them. “
