For Immediate Release
Mattoon Public Library Annual Fundraiser
MATTOON – The Mattoon Public Library’s annual fundraiser is set for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. November 30 on
the first floor of the library, 1600 Charleston Ave.
The event is a social that includes wine, beer, soft drinks and light hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $30 and
may be purchased at the library, from a board member or at the door. Those who want to support the
library’s annual appeal but are unable to attend may send checks to the library at PO Box 809, Mattoon,
IL 61938.
The library is funded in three ways: a real estate tax levy on property within the Mattoon city limit;
various grants and philanthropy. “The annual appeal and fundraiser are an important component to our
fiscal health,” said library director Carl Walworth. “It helps us to establish and grow community-based
programs consistent with our goal to being a place that helps drive literacy throughout our community.”
The library is a community hub that offers traditional library services including four different digital
platforms and a variety of programming. Circulation numbers increased 10 of the last 12 months and
the number of library card holders is up, too. The Local History Center attracts guests on an almost daily
basis in addition to offering group tours and community outreach such as the recent downtown
historical walk.
The lower basement level serves as a community center that hosts birthday parties, bridal showers and
other family events; discussions and meetings by community organizations and small groups; corporate
meetings and a variety of other library and non-library programming.
The second floor is designed for youth, ranging from preschool to teens. Just in the last week the library
hosted programming for a head start group and two preschools in addition to the regular twice-a-week
story time. The library’s literacy team offers homework help including free math tutoring weekly and by
appointment. A homeschool connection program meets weekly. The youth chess program meets twicea-month on Saturday mornings.
The grant-funded family literacy initiative has academic programming for adults and children, parent and
child together activities and parenting education. The library’s parenting class is about to start its fifth
class using an eight-week curriculum. The last class was full with a waiting list.
The library hosts other regular programming, such as two different book discussion groups, and also
participates in community events like Celebrate Downtown and Trunk or Treat.
“Our library reaches broadly into our community,” Walworth said. “We see lives change for the better.
We see families enjoy a positive, enriching experience in our facility. We see people from all walks of life
find value in the library, including things like our free notary service, free computer checkouts and
affordable copies. I’m proud of our staff for making our library one that fulfills its traditional mission and
then goes beyond, extending the library’s reach and impact.
Comments