What is the impact of your Foundation support?
From our Annual Report to Donors
Last month, we published our Annual Impact Report to Donors, highlighting the many incredible programs made possible thanks to a generous community of donors. In this excerpt, read a letter from our Board President, see our collective impact by the numbers, and see the list of 50+ Library programs made possible thanks to your support. View this full report and prior year versions on our Impact Report to Donors page.
“Libraries are for everyone. They are among the only places where everyone is welcome, no matter your identity. Libraries make knowledge accessible and free for all visitors year round. And for that reason, in 2025 they came under attack like never before.
“In a year that saw widespread national efforts to defund and censor libraries, The Seattle Public Library stood strong thanks to the incredible support of people like you. Because of your generosity, the Foundation was able to increase our giving to the Library to more than $6.7 million. Record numbers of advocates spoke up to defend the library values we believe in.
“Our organization helped meet the urgent needs of this moment through responsive funding. We planned for the future by listening to community feedback about what the Library needs and how we can position the Foundation to have the most impact. This report will help you see both the immediate and overall impacts of the books,
programs, and services you make possible.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for protecting and enhancing the libraries we love and rely on.”
- –Sarah Stanley, Board President, 2024-2025
By the numbers:
The Seattle Public Library (SPL) set a new record for active users in 2025. The Foundation’s support makes possible many of the books, programs, and services that make our Library so popular.
Take a look at the difference donors made last year by the numbers:
The programs you make possible!
Your gift to the Foundation supports enriching experiences for people from all backgrounds at the library. Give today to invite more families to read and discover at the library, and read the rest of our 2025 Annual Report on Donor Impact.