I thought libraries are supposed to be “free”—why is there an emphasis on voluntary donations?
All patrons can use our library for free. There is no fee for a library card. However, the ACL is 100% funded by donations, so we must necessarily emphasize fundraising. Unlike typical libraries you may be used to visiting, we get no funding from the city or the state. We need to raise money to license our building from the city, and to pay for insurance, our circulation program, computer equipment, supplies and all our other expenses. Every dollar of our budget comes from donations. We have been very lucky to have the support of many local businesses, but we also need patrons to contribute. Please click here for more information about voluntary donations.
