Monthly Newsletter

The Jacksonville Public Library Needs You! 

 To All Our Friends and Supporters: 

 The library needs your help in securing much-needed budget dollars  from the City of Jacksonville to 1) purchase materials that customers  want and need, and 2) to restore library operating hours to bring all  libraries back to a minimum of six days open each week. 

The  Foundation has helped bring in over $130,000 in private funds for  library programs this year, but those private funds cannot replace  urgently needed public funding.  Without restoring adequate City  funds lost over the past several years, it will be  difficult for the library  to continue their momentum as 2017 Library of the Year and achieve  their mission for the City.

 The library will need additions of 1) $850K for materials, and 2) $1.14M to restore six-day weekly service hours to 9 branches. Without this support the library will face severe cuts with crippling effects to collections and service times. We urge you to call your City Council representative, call the City Finance Committee, and attend a City Council meeting to speak on the library’s behalf Thank you for your help!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW TO CONTACT YOUR COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE! 

The library’s Center for Adult Learning (CAL) wouldn’t be what it is today – a place where adults can learn to read, learn English as a second language, earn an accredited high school diploma, and prepare for GED classes and testing – without the vision, innovation and passion of Jean Ulmer Brinkman. Jean, the founder of CAL and Learn to Read, which are located at the library, had a big dream – to give every adult the opportunity and right tools to learn to read.

Sadly, Jean passed away from ALS in 2013. Walt Brinkman, her devoted husband of 49 years, is helping to keep her dream alive by continuing to raise support for the Jean Ulmer Brinkman Memorial Scholarship Fund. Established in 2014 by the Presbyterian Women of the Riverside Presbyterian Church, where Jean was an active member, the fund provides scholarships for adults with financial need to cover costs of GED materials and testing. Presbyterian donors and Walt regularly contribute to the scholarship fund, which is a godsend for students who are working toward a better future.

The CAL has grown and flourished over the years, making great strides in adult education. In fact, this program has demonstrated its effectiveness so well that it was named as one of the reasons why the Jacksonville Public Library received the 2017 Library of the Year award from the Florida Library Association. 

The Jean Ulmer Brinkman Memorial Scholarship Fund continues CAL founder Jean Brinkman’s lifelong work of improving adult lives through literacy. The fund was established by the Presbyterian Women of Riverside Presbyterian Church in 2014. To make a tax deductible contribution to the scholarship fund, go online and donate at www.jplfoundation.org

Read the full story on the I love JPL blog or click here

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