Information about the Jackson-Madison County Library Foundation is currently being reviewed.
  Changes to this page will be made as Foundation members submit recommendations.

Jackson/Madison County Library
433 East Lafayette St.
Jackson, TN 38301
731-425-8600

                 
       Introduction

Remember your first trip to the library?  The books, the people, the size of the library, all made lasting impressions on you.  Today, the library continues to play a pivotal role in our society.  Children, adults, students of every age, and everyone in the area all have the opportunity to use the collections, the services, and the programs provided.  The library is well-positioned to help users with their information needs.  In a world of growing technology in the information age, the library continues to be just as relevant now as at any time in its history.

As you reflect on your library experiences, past and present, keep in mind the Jackson/Madison County Library Foundation was created to ensure that citizens today and those in years to come find their library a vibrant and educational resource that meets their needs.

Background

Several years ago the Jackson/Madison County Library was offered property to build a new branch library.  The library's board of trustees and the Friends of the Library embarked on plans to utilize the property as intended by the donors.   They soon realized that, in addition to this donation of land, the library might be the recipient of other property and financial contributions.  In an effort to address the broader picture of significant financial support for the library, both the Friends and the Library Board of Trustees began to explore the creation of a foundation the purpose of which would be to provide supplementary support for the Jackson/Madison County Library.   With the full support of the Library Board of Trustees, the Friends of the Library have worked to establish the Jackson/Madison County Library Foundation.

Mission

The Board of Trustees of the Jackson/Madison County Library Foundation have adopted the following as the mission statement for the foundation.

The Jackson/Madison County Library Foundation is a nonprofit corporation chartered in the state of Tennessee to operate exclusively for the the benefit of the Jackson/Madison County Library.  Its purpose is to receive, solicit, accept, hold, administer, invest, and disburse any and every kind of property for such educational, literary, and service activities.  The goal of the foundation is to provide the Jackson/Madison County Library with a higher standard of excellence by supplementing funds received from public sources with private financial support.

Annual Support

To fulfill this mission, the Jackson/Madison County Library Foundation seeks financial support from individuals, corporations, organizations, and foundations.   Unrestricted annual gifts are encouraged.  These contributions will be used for: 

The distribution of unrestricted gifts will be made by the foundation's board of trustees.  Restricted gifts may also be made to a particular collection or program.  Such gifts will be designated exactly according to the donor's wishes.  

Gifts are welcomed to benefit all areas of the Jackson/Madison County Library.  If you wish to designate your gift, we suggest the following for your consideration:  children's collections, reference collections, CD-ROM/DVD or other non-print materials, and the Tennessee Room.

1903 Society

The 1903 Society is the foundation's premier donor recognition organization.  The name of the society is taken from the year in which the Jackson Free Public Library was dedicated.  It recognizes those who provide significant support for the Jackson/Madison County Library.  We want to acknowledge the generosity of our donors for supporting the foundation.  The following categories have been created to recognize these gifts that are part of the 1903 Society.

Additional Annual Support

Gifts of all sizes further the mission of the Jackson/Madison County Library Foundation.  Below are additional levels of support donors may wish to consider:

In recognition of significant support, there will be special ways in which the foundation will acknowledge gifts at the Associate level and above.  These may include plaques, a donor recognition area, and listings of donors to the foundation.   Donors will be notified as these recognition opportunities occur.

Capital Support

There will be opportunities for the foundation to become involved in capital projects that would benefit the library.  The foundation will make every effort to embark only on such projects that are the highest priority.  Such projects might include branch library construction, building renovations, endowment, and equipment support.

Memorial Honor Program

The foundation encourages any donor to make a contribution in memory of or in honor of someone special.  Appropriate cards will be sent determined by whether the gift is a memorial or a contribution to honor an individual or organization.  A variety of special occasions would provide donors with opportunities to honor someone, including birthdays, anniversaries, as well as other holidays observed throughout the year.  We request a minimum contribution of $50 for inclusion in this program.

Planned Gifts

One of the most significant ways you can support the library is through a planned gift.  There are several different planned gift opportunities.  The one most often considered is the bequest.  If you would like to consider putting the Jackson/Madison County Library Foundation in your estate, we will be glad to discuss this with you.  Anyone who does include the foundation will automatically become a member of the 1903 Society - our way of recognizing the thoughtful people who take this step.   In doing so, you will receive special recognition including invitations to special events as well as recognition in foundation publications.  We encourage you to discuss the possibility of such a gift with your financial and/or legal advisors.

Conclusion

The creation of the Jackson/Madison County Library Foundation offers everyone an opportunity to forge a special relationship with the Jackson/Madison County Library.  This library system has a tradition of service through wonderful collections and programs that assist our users.  Our objective is to build on this legacy by providing the funding necessary to create a higher standard of excellence.   Join us!

Board of Trustees

 Board of Directors

Contact Information

Contact us

Jackson/Madison County Library Foundation
433 East Lafayette St.
Jackson, TN 38301
(731) 425-8600
FAX:  (731) 425-8609

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