Your appreciation for libraries began with the pride of your first library card-and it continues today as you use the Appleton Public Library for its extensive materials, programs and services. The civic importance of an informed, literate community along with the personal joys of reading and discovery come together in community libraries like ours.

Can you play a part in ensuring that such a resource for lifelong learning and enjoyment continues to thrive for the next generations? "I already do, through my local taxes," you may respond. While it is true that public funds support the Library's existence, you may not have realized that it is the collective might of private contributions that drive the Appleton Public Library's level of excellence.

Contributions enable the Library to respond to the community's needs and expectations for the latest in materials, programs and technology. The pace of change and its impact on the Library will only increase over the next generation. To respond, the Appleton Library Foundation is launching a focused education and awareness campaign to encourage donors to make planned gifts to the Appleton Public Library Foundation.

Planned giving can be of significant benefit to both the donor and the Library. For example, because planned gifts are usually made from accumulated assets, gifts are often able to be larger than a contribution from current income. Planned gifts also enable the donor's estate and heirs to take advantage of favorable estate and income tax treatment of charitable contributions.

The Foundation will share its encouragement for planned giving through many avenues in the coming year. If you are interested in a planned gift to the Appleton Library Foundation, be sure to contact your legal/financial advisers to discuss the kind of gift that best fits your situation. And contact Terry Dawson to find out how to direct your gift to one or more of the Library's priorities.