Foundation

Library and Foundation Roots

The West Vancouver Memorial Library was created as an official war memorial to honour those who gave their lives during the Second World War. Publicly funded, the Library has been much loved by local citizens since opening in 1950. Over the years, as a number of upgrades, expansions, and improvements took place at the Library, a collaborative desire and passionate vision for excellence took root along with an accompanying challenge: increased capital. To realize its potential as a truly great Library with ambitious goals, renewal plans, and exceptional services, more than public funding alone was required. Private financial support was essential to the fruition of big dreams. It was determined that the creation of a Foundation was needed to help inspire and harness library-related philanthropy.

Foundation Born 

In 1986, The West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation was established by a group of committed citizens to serve as an avenue through which people and private enterprise could partner in a legacy of giving and support for the West Vancouver Memorial Library. The Foundation is an incorporated, not-for-profit society, which raises funds and administers endowments, donations, and bequests for the Library. The Foundation annually grants funds to the Library which provide enhancements that make it a special place offering exceptional service for patrons, local citizens, and visitors. In its inaugural capital campaign, the Foundation raised an impressive $2 million and currently manages approximately $4 million in donated funds.

Philanthropy

Donations, large and small, are most welcome and are used for such items and endeavours as high-vision projects like the teens-only space, the tranquil Waterfall lounge, the Welsh Hall and grand piano, as well as new books, large print materials, audio aids, in-home services for those unable to visit due to personal limitations, health lectures, financial talks, concerts, music programs, various language items, special services, new programs, seniors programming, and movie nights. For more information, visit Donor Recognition and Recent Projects and Sustained Funding.

Charitable # 887768661RR0001