Boston Public Library Fund

Meet Jordan Klumb, one of our incredible Team BPL runners ?? "As a Boston College alum, the Boston Public Library holds a special place in my heart. During my undergrad years, it was my favorite off-campus spot to study, read, and immerse myself in the vibrant academic community of Boston. Running and reading are my two greatest passions in life, and I am excited to combine them to give back to the city that has given me so much through being part of Team BPL!" Let's go Jordan!

Love this behind-the-scenes video showing our colleagues at The Catered Affair! They do such great work to make all our events at the Library go perfectly.

?? New on the blog! Your charitable giving can do more than support a good cause—it can reflect your personal passions and values. Our latest blog post, "Three Strategies for Letting Your Personal Passions Help Fulfill Your Charitable Goals," explores how you can make a meaningful impact while staying true to what matters most to you! Read more! https://lnkd.in/ePv4yi4J

49 days until the Boston Marathon and $2,750 until I reach my goal of $10,000 raised for the Boston Public Library Fund! Thank you to Boston.com for sharing why I'm running. ?? Every gift adds up to make a tremendous impact on the Library’s programs and services. Venmo me @ LisaLisaRandall or visit my fundraising page to help me cross the finish line! https://lnkd.in/ecJik66h

“I’ve always believed in uplifting Boston’s artists,” says South End resident Melvin (Mel) Klayman. “It's important to support local, up-and-coming talent, and that was a driving force for me when selecting pieces to own.” This passion for championing local artists inspired Mel to name the Boston Public Library Fund in his estate plans, to establish the Melvin Klayman Endowed Fund for Prints and Drawings. This fund will enable the Boston Public Library’s Arts Department to expand its print collection, with the goal to acquire works by emerging Boston artists. He also plans to donate selected pieces to the BPL. “The Library has always been part of my world — a treasure — and knowing that we’ll uplift Boston’s artists for generations to come is very meaningful to me,” he says. Thank you Mel! Learn more about gift planning and strategies here https://lnkd.in/eju8Aejr.

This morning, Boston Public Library President David Leonard and BPLF Board Member Barry Canton delivered an engaging presentation on the Library’s new Strategic Plan. While there are many new priorities outlined, David emphasized that the value of ‘Free to All’ remains an enduring promise that guides us into the future. “It’s going to take the power of our community to turn these bold initiatives into reality,” said Barry. “And the Fund is ready to help the Library achieve its mission.” Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation! We have two more sessions coming up and there is still time to register. Go to bplfund.org.

Congratulations to Glorya Fernandez on completing her residency as the Boston Public Library’s first-ever Chef-in-Residence! ?? Throughout her time at the BPL’s Nutrition Lab, Glorya has shared her passion for food, culture, and community through incredible programs— from engaging cooking demos to hands-on workshops. She has truly inspired Bostonians to explore the power of food in new and meaningful ways. Watch this great video highlighting her journey! Now, we’re looking for the next Chef in Residence! If you're a chef passionate about food education and community impact, apply today for this unique opportunity. https://lnkd.in/ensc_APt https://lnkd.in/eHGyvvWW

And the winner is.... Peter Rabbit! Thank you so much to everyone who voted. See you on the course... carrots and all! ------------------------------------- VOTING UPDATE as of Saturday afternoon! Peter Rabbit: 22 votes Madeline: 7 votes Winnie the Pooh: 4 votes. Voting closes on Sunday 2/24 at midnight! -------------------------------------- On March 1, I’ll be running the “Superhero 17” as I train for my Boston Marathon charity run benefitting the Boston Public Library Fund. Youth literacy is a big funding priority at the Boston Public Library so I’m running as a beloved children’s book character! Should I run as Winnie the Pooh, Peter Rabbit, or Madeline?! Vote for my costume with your donation! $10 = 1 vote $25 = 3 votes $50 = 6 votes $75 = 9 votes $100 = 12 votes. Donate via Venmo @ lisalisarandall or on my donation page: https://lnkd.in/ecJik66h THANK YOU!

?? Fundraising & Training Update! ?? This past Saturday, I hit a new distance PR of 16 miles as I continue training for the Boston Marathon—only 56 days to go! ??♀??? Monday is coming, and I’m feeling stronger with every run. I’m also thrilled to announce that I’ll be hosting a fitness fundraiser "Lift For Literacy" at Lululemon on Newbury Street on Saturday, March 1st from 12:30 to 1:30pm! Let’s sweat for a cause! Details are in the photo attached. Thanks to your generosity, I’ve raised $5,841 for the Boston Public Library! ??? I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has contributed so far. Every dollar gets me closer to my $10,000 goal and helps support an institution that means so much to the Boston community. Please consider donating if you haven't already! Want to further your donation? Click the link below or see if your company offers a corporate match! Thank you for your support! ????♀??? Boston Public Library Fund #bostonpubliclibrary #fundraising https://lnkd.in/entMuV3U

When Boston resident Alex Huynh was laid off from their position in corporate human resources, they saw it as an opportunity to reflect on and rethink their career path. Unsure of the next step, they turned to the BPL’s career counseling drop-in sessions at the Egleston Square Branch. There, they worked with the BPL’s Workforce Development Reference Librarian, Michael Brown, to develop a résumé and practice interview skills. ? With the Library’s support, Alex secured an apprenticeship at an early childhood education center in Jamaica Plain and is now working toward certification in early childhood education and development. “It’s scary to be laid off, but your support system wants to be there for you and there are many free career resources, both online and in-person, and people who want to help at the Library. Lean on your community and available resources like the BPL, so you can really take your time and plan the future you want.” ? The Boston Public Library Fund is proud to support the Library’s workforce team, ensuring that job seekers like Alex have access to the guidance and resources they need to take their next steps with confidence.