Impact

Over the years, the mission and focus of libraries has evolved and changed. For centuries the library’s primary responsibility was to disseminate knowledge.  However, thanks to technology and the internet– the role of the library in our society has changed drastically.

Libraries have evolved and expanded to offer so much more, including offering tutoring, teachings, trainings, a place to do homework, access to current technologies, and enabling the public to utilize this information to make better decisions with the help of a library’s space and services.

It’s a different time, and accordingly our very own Lodi Public Library has, and will continue to have, new needs requiring YOUR support to keep up with the times.

Because of the generosity of those who make gifts large and small, those who sponsor and support foundation events, and those who have included the Lodi Public Library Foundation (LPLF) in their estate plans (wills), the LPLF has been able to “fill the gap” where there has not been available public funds to do so.

Your contributions directly support programs like the Homework Help Program, Paws to Read, the Computer Learning Center, and the Adult Literacy Program.

Some of the recent ways in which your support has helped!

Between 2013 and 2015, the Lodi Public Library Foundation was able to provide funding towards a comprehensive redesign and reconfiguration to meet the current and future needs of our community, including the transformation of:

• The Rott Family Children’s Area– we removed all the old furniture and gave the children’s area a complete make-over, including adding new furniture, beautiful murals, child-friendly book shelving, and play structures to make the area more appealing and kid friendly. It’s really something, a must see!
• Homework Help Study Room (for grammar school students)– Given the explosive demand for this service (attendance grew from 3,000 in 2013 to 4,455 in 2014), we gave the existing Homework Help Room a facelift and went from offering this program 3 days a week to 4 days a week, as well as adding a very popular “Math Power Hour.” However, we are again outgrowing the space needed for this program, but thankfully we have secured the funding from other generous donors to further build-out this space. We anticipate the new Homework Help Room being ready for use by spring 2016.
• The Lucas Computer Center– To show how much this dedicated space was needed, the number of patrons using the center tripled in just three months in comparison to those same three months the year before. (numbers needed here) Now, when you come into the Lucas Computer Center, you will see everyone from adults to the elderly utilizing this resource and computer training being offer by volunteer tutors.
• Teens@201– 1,800 square feet of new and refurbished library space. Opened in early 2018, this area is specifically designed and equipped to meet Lodi teenagers education and literacy needs. Offering wide tables for group projects, study rooms, computers and iPads and a media center.