Supporting your Alpha Park Library
The Alpha Park Public Library is a self-taxing, independent agency of local government. However, though membership in the Fund for Illinois Libraries,
administered by the Illinois Library Association, Alpha Park Public Library may receive gifts for which a 501(c)(3) status is required.
Monies to be received from grants, donations, and services and in-kind gifts can be sent to the Illinois Library Association for
processing and distribution to the Alpha Park Public Library.
Please see our
Gifting and Donor Recognition Policy for more information.
-
Why We Need Your Help
It is our duty to keep up with the advancing technologies that our community relies on. Infrastructure, materials, and programming expenses are all costs that the library incurs while serving you. Alpha Park Library prides itself on the outstanding customer service provided by an accomplished staff, and we strive to provide our staff with the support and compensation they deserve. We want to make sure that our benefits and compensation can continue to recruit the best talent possible. The majority of our income goes towards salaries for our employees. This means that supplemental income is needed for other expenses. That’s where you come in!
By putting in place a comprehensive gifting policy, we are able to provide a steady stream of revenue specifically designated for the non-staff related expenses. Gifts can provide ground enhancements, updates on infrastructure and technology, and general improvements to keep us safe and up-to-date. -
What your Library Provides
It is noted that the average American individual saves an estimated $330.00 a year, and families save an average of $3,600 per year by checking out books, media, toys, and games from us! If you factor in the additional services, such as offering a notary, programming events, job and resume assistance, technology training, copying and faxing, the savings continue to add up! The library is much more than a place to pick up books. We also offer affordable room rental, a place for gaming and hanging out for youth, and we are always here to help and listen to your latest thoughts on new books, or the general happening in our community. These are all services that you would be hard pressed to find at any other business in our district. -
Friends of Alpha Park Public Library
The Friends are a membership organization of local residents who share a passionate commitment for a strong library system.
The Friends support library programs, raise funds for special purposes, volunteer for projects, promote community awareness of our library, advocate in support of public funding and more! [more] -
APL Friends Rada Cutlery Fundraiser
100% USA MADE, Rada Mfg. Co. has made and sold over 170,000,000 knives since 1948, earning the reputation for remarkable cutlery, service, and value.
They have helped thousands of organizations with successful fundraisers for their partners. If you need some new cutlery, make sure to purchase from our very own Rada Cutlery online storefront. Click here for Rada Fundraiser -
The Illinois Library Assocation
A professional membership organization that represents Illinois libraries and the millions who depend on them. Founded in 1896, it is the third largest state library association and a chapter of the American Library Association. [more] -
-
Wish List
Alpha Park Library strives to provide the best library services possible for our community. In the age of ever decreasing funding opportunities, and tightening purse strings, there are many things the library is in need of that we are not able to acquire at this time. Below is a list of items that would benefit the Alpha Park Library in its quest to serve our patrons.
Right now all funds that are received during this giving season will go towards a new circulation desk, unless otherwise specified. If you are donating with a credit card using our pay pal button, you are able to note what you would like your specific donation to go towards. If you are giving in a different way, you can send an email to the Director to note any specific donations. -
Circulation Desk
The Alpha Park Friends Group have recognized the need for a new circulation desk. For the month of November and December, we are specifically looking to raise funds to support this purchase. If you would like to purchase cutlery to support funding a new circulation desk, click here. -
Book Carts
Book carts are vital and important tools of the work we do at the library. Currently we have been careful to budget for one to two new book carts a year, and have gotten by with repainting some of our most worn ones. We have five book carts that need to be decommissioned. Each book cart costs about $500 to $600. -
Self-Check Machine
Sometimes, it’s nice to be able to run in and grab your items and go. Sometimes, you want to research a sensitive topic and may not feel comfortable having someone check out your items. Sometimes, you have many items and want to be able to check them out at your own pace. Whatever the reasons, a self-check-out machine is a vital part of any modern library. While they do have a hefty price tag, they are invaluable and provide a service that any library user will greatly appreciate. Ideally our library would need two, one for the children’s area and one for the general circulation area. Each of these machines cost $5,000 - $7,000. -
Book Ends
Our library is always in need of quality steel book-ends. They keep our collection organized and tidy. They range in price from $2.00 to $9.00 per bookend, depending on the size. You can keep our books standing tall by donating funds to go towards the purchase of additional book ends. -
Security Gates
When we do upgrade to the ability to self-check, we will need infrastructure. Security gates are a must have to make sure we don’t miss any check-outs, and to protect our collection. Our current security gates are estimated at 15 years old. A new security gate system would cost an estimated $5,000. -
Program Sponsorship
As with any library budget, programming is usually the last item listed. Whatever funds are not already spoken for with repairs and the day to day expenses may go towards programming. While we strive to have a strong and robust programming budget, this is still something in need of alternate funding. Please consider sponsoring a few of our programs. Each program can range in price from $5.00 to $30.00 per participant, and $100 to $1000 per performer or presenter. Below are listed a few of our most well attended programs and performances.
* Crafternoon - $20 per person
* Youth Programs and Performances - $500 per quarter or $150 per event
* Genealogy Programming - $200 towards our database maintenance
* Summer Reading Programming adults and children- $2,000 combined
-
Smart Classroom Technology
We would like to be able to offer the absolute best user experience for our patrons when it comes to using our meeting rooms. While our current equipment is serves us well, there is room for growth. Our sound system is dated and can be muffled and difficult to understand. Anyone that has sat in a zoom meeting with a bad sound system knows how frustrating this can be. With a meeting room equipment upgrade we provide a comfortable and professional environment. Items such as a smart board, or a new sound system would be first on our list. They range in price from $2K to $3K. -
Glowforge Pro
The Glow Forge Laser printer/cutter is the next big thing in library tech-tools for makerspaces. This unique item turns hobby and craft ideas into custom made items with the touch of a button. The Glowforge Pro runs $5,995. -
Child Craft LED Light Table
This table is perfect for visual learners. Color, counting, and cooperation have never been more fun! For kiddos that like to look at lights, this table provides a valuable learner experience. It is estimated at $400. -
Tech Toys
We are currently looking to expand our STEM Kits and bring cutting edge technology to playtime! We currently have a small collection of tech toys, but we would like to have a full gamut of techy items that our patrons can play, build, and learn with. Tech toys range in price from $300 to $4,000.
Cubeletts
CoDrones
Codey Rocky -
In Memory
The Alpha Park Public Library provides a Gift Catalog listing items that one may purchase as a recognition, a memorial or to fulfill a desire to make a specific gift to the Library. Currently we have gifted items of benches, memorial stones, and garden areas. The cost of each item includes a form of recognition such as an engraving or a small plaque that will identify the associated request or party. If the party chooses to remain anonymous, Alpha Park Library will provide that opportunity to the best of our ability. The Library may move or relocate items if needed, including removing the donated item when it is no longer viable without consulting the donating party. The final determination of an item’s location will be made by the Alpha Park Public Library Director, in consultation with the Board of Trustees. -
Park Benches
A park bench is a wonderful way to commemorate a loved one. Memorial benches can be placed in the rear garden areas, or along the walking paths. These benches assist in keeping your loved one's memory alive forever. Bearing a memorial plaque with your loved one's name and a personalised message, they convey love that will remain for generations to see. Park benches cost approximately $500 - $1,000. -
Memorial Stones
Preserve memories, honor someone special, or inspire others by purchasing a memorial pathway stone. The stones are placed throughout walkways and landscaping of the library, and are a wonderful opportunity to give someone permanent recognition or commemorate a significant event. Memorial stones typically cost $200 - $500.