Foundations

Newton Public Library Foundation

The Second Century Library Foundation – Newton has a new name! On May 12, 2020, the Foundation Board approved the new name: Newton Public Library Foundation. A new fund was also established in the Foundation: Newton Public Library Building Fund.

The NPL Building Fund is a fund supporting library building renovations and expansion, which may include the renovation of, or construction of, a new building.

In addition to the NPL Building Fund, the Newton Public Library Foundation has four other funds:

  • Second Century Endowment Fund
  • Montee-Silverstein Fund
  • Helen E. Claassen Endowment Fund
  • Operating Fund

Second Century Endowment Foundation was established in 1986, upon the celebration of the first century of operation of Newton Public Library.  The mission of the Second Century Endowment Foundation was to enhance the adult collection of the Newton Public Library by increasing and promoting educational, literary and artistic resources available to our community.

In 2011, the Foundation became an affiliate of the Central Kansas Community Foundation, Inc. with the name: Second Century Library Foundation – Newton.

The Foundation’s Second Century Endowment Fund and Montee-Silverstein Fund provide grants for enhancements beyond those possible through Newton Public Library annual operating funds. The Helen E. Claassen Endowment Fund is designated for NPL capital improvements.

More than just books are needed at Newton Public Library to be a part of today’s information society. Audio/visual materials, digital resources, computer programs and 24/7 on-line access have joined the books and magazines to provide information and recreation to individuals. A gift to future generations through the Newton Public Library Foundation will make you a part of the legacy which will keep Newton Public Library an important informational and recreational access location for the community. Make it happen!

  • Provide a 21st century facility that meets the community’s needs.
  • Add to the CD/DVD/e-book collections.
  • Continue a quality music collection.
  • Add to the business collection to better serve the community.
  • Enhance the genealogy collection to help family researchers.
  • Upgrading of all resources available in the library.
  • Keep pace with technological information.

Send gifts or pledges to:  Newton Public Library Foundation, % Newton Public Library, 720 North Oak Newton, Kansas 67114

Newton Public Library Foundation Advisory Board Members are:

  • Angela Buller, President
  • Charlie Robinson, Vice-President
  • Marianne Eichelberger, Secretary (Library Director)
  • Ashley Klein (Library Board Representative)
  • Mary Anne McCloud
  • Liz Pomeroy
  • Mary Anne McCloud
  • Cathy Edwards
  • Beverly McGee

Call 316-283-2890 for more information.

The Flower & Garden Tour

The Foundation Board hosted the 2019 Newton Flower & Garden Tour on June 8 and 9 to benefit Newton Public Library which was enjoyed by many people on a beautiful weekend. What was to be the 25th Anniversary Flower & Garden Tour on June 13 and 14, 2020 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  A big Thank You to the four families who were preparing to be on the 2020 Tour. It is hoped their beautiful yards will be on a future Flower & Garden Tour.

See highlights from the 2017 Flower and Garden Tour.

See highlights from the 2012 Flower and Garden Tour.

See highlights from the 2010 Flower and Garden Tour.

See highlights from the 2009 Flower and Garden Tour.

Florence Bessmer

Miss Florence Bessmer established The Florence Bessmer Foundation in 1979. The Foundation provides for the housing and equipment for modern, educational and entertainment programs and uses for children, including furniture, shelving, books, materials, audiovisual and learning aids, as well as for facility enhancements. She established the fund because for most of her 100+ years she was actively and ardently interested in the welfare of children. The Florence Bessmer wing was completed in 1980 and serves as a meeting room for library and public functions. Income from the Florence Bessmer Foundation currently provides for special programs, print and nonprint resources for children, and more.

The Florence Bessmer Foundation Board members are:

  • Ron Lang,  Chairman
  • Ray Penner, Treasurer
  • John Robb, Secretary
  • Ann Adrian, NPL Board President