A Better Library | LCL Foundation

A Great Library Getting Better

With our Donors' Help ...

The Lewis & Clark Library Foundation raises funds to support ongoing enhancements and improvements and public programming at every Library branch to ensure patrons of all ages have the highest quality library services available to them. This is just a sampling of the "wish list" items funded by the Foundation over the past few years:

BOOKMOBILE: In FY25-26, the Foundation is committing $225,000 toward the $550,000 cost of a new Bookmobile to replace the aging vehicle that has been in service for more than 12 years.
AUGUSTA: Wifi hotspots, a telescope to view the night sky, yoga classes for seniors, and author programs.
EAST HELENA: Legos for friendly building competitions, books for books clubs, and teen programs.
LINCOLN: Books for their local book club, art supplies, and books to give to patrons visiting the Bookmobile.
In HELENA, the Children's Library receives funds for the Beanstack literacy program, to purchase and maintain Playaways (pre-loaded book recordings), and supports the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program. Staff wellness and appreciation programs are supported.
The Teen Program receives funding for the active Teen Advisory ... -- activities, and special boxes with free books and other fun literature-related items were given away. The PAL book vending machine continues to be a big hit with the students as well as the portable video/audio recording kits. In FY26, teens will take field trips to expand their outdoor, cultural, and creative experiences.
The Foundation supports the annual NEA Big Read with book purchases, kick-off celebrations, and community outreach.
The Foundation also contributes to the cost of the Library's spring author visit.
And in 2019, the Words on Wheels book bike hit the streets and made the rounds of farmer's markets, outdoor events, and parks providing books, videos, hot spots, and the opportunity to get a library card.
The Foundation also contributed $100,000 toward the $6 million remodel of the Helena Library in the early 2020s that has made the library more structurally sound, with better use of spaces, an expanded children's area, and more and better meeting rooms with functional furnishings and upgraded technology.

FY 2026 - WISH LIST & FY 2025 RECAP

DOWNLOAD THE WISH LIST PRESENTATION BY LIBRARY STAFF

DOWNLOAD THE LIST OF ITEMS THAT TOTAL $82,250 FOR FY2026