2025 Annual Appeal

Dear Friend,

Because of you, 2024 was an incredible year at the Helen Kate Furness Free Library. Thanks to your support, we served 38,700 people and offered 320 community programs—from toddler storytimes and teen events to author talks and free tax prep. We were thrilled to launch our Library of Things—now home to over 80 unique and useful items, from telescopes to lawn games—borrowed more than 547 times in its first year.

It cost $514,048 to run the library in 2024, and government funding and our endowment only covered around 65% of that annual operating budget. You and other supporters provide the remaining 35% – meaning that your generosity makes the difference in sustaining our beloved library.

For 123 years, the Helen Kate Furness Free Library has delivered on its mission of bringing lifelong learning, discovery, and joy to Nether Providence and Rose Valley, and you have helped make that possible. Can we count on your continued support in 2025?

With gratitude,
Leah Kulikowski, Library Director

Sandy DiCamillo, Board President

P.S. Give before May 9 to boost your impact! Donations received before then will support our Delco Gives Fundraising Campaign, helping us earn bonus funds. Last year, thanks to donors like you, we received $7,277 in extra funding.

Delco Gives Day (May 8–9, 2025) is a day of giving hosted by The Foundation for Delaware County to support nonprofit organizations serving Delaware County. Donations received between April 1 and May 9 can be counted towards our Delco Gives total, so your Annual Appeal support is helping us reach our Delco Gives fundraising goals!