Support the Library
A Letter from Judith A. Drescher
Everybody is talking about getting good returns on their investments. I have been a loyal donor to the Foundation for the
Library for many years, so this popular topic made me think about the investment I am making in our community by supporting
the Library. You can also realize a remarkable return by making a $100 investment, or more, in the Memphis Public Library &
Information Center.
Let me share my investment strategy. You can invest your money in two ways. You can donate $100 to invest in the Library's
collection, and your return will last a lifetime. The average retail price of a hardback book is now over $25. Over the years,
we have negotiated very well with the publishers, so your $100 gift will purchase 6 or 7 books. Your donation immediately earns
a 50% rate of return compared to what you could have purchased at the bookstore. Estimating that each book will be used 4 times
a year, your gift equates to purchasing 24 books, six times what you could have bought.
The second way to invest your money is donating to the endowment. A $100 endowment gift will allow the Foundation to pool
many gifts so books or computers can be purchased every year in perpetuity. When you give more, the Library can bring materials
to you more quickly. For example, your donation of $500 will purchase one resource every year forever so the return becomes
infinite!
When making any investment, evaluation of the risk is an important part of the decision. How much risk will you be taking?
Last year, both the Urban Libraries Council and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recognized the Memphis Public Library
for the powerful positive economic impact our services are having on the community. The Urban Libraries Council recognized Training
Wheels as thriving link between early literacy and long-term educational success. JobLINC was sited as an inviting and important
connection to those seeking employment. The Gates Foundation found our use of technology really does allow customers to access
information they need on any subject and is closing the digital divide.
Join me and make your investment in the Memphis Public Library & Information Center today! The return on your investment
will never stop growing!
Happy Investing!
Judith A. Drescher President
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