WHO WE ARE

Our History

Founded in 1983 as the Foundation of the Davenport Public Library, our nonprofit organization was created to provide financial support for The Library and to strengthen the connection between The Library and the community it serves. For decades, this partnership has helped sustain programs, expand collections, and enhance access for all.

Over the years, the FRIENDS led several major initiatives, including launching The Library’s first collection endowment in 1989 and contributing $150,000 for new materials. We played a key role in the Branching Out project, helping secure public funding and raising $4.8 million toward the construction of the Fairmount (2006) and Eastern (2010) branches – successfully expanding Library services within the community.

More recently, the FRIENDS contributed to the $1.8 million Main Library renovation project, completed in 2021. Today, operating under the name Davenport Public Library Foundation, the organization continues this legacy of support by running volunteer-staffed used bookstores, organizing fundraising events, fully supporting Library initiatives such as the Summer Reading Challenge, and funding projects including the enhanced children’s spaces at all three Library locations.

Supporting the Foundation shows your commitment to The Library’s resources, services, and educational opportunities, and demonstrates to local leaders that The Library is vital to our community.

Our Mission

The mission of the FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library is to raise funds and manage an endowment portfolio that will provide resources to support the literary and educational purposes of the Davenport Public Library.

Davenport Public Library Foundation

Board of Directors, 2025-2026

Donna Arnold
Connie Benning, Vice President
Cassandra Erwin
Rachel Evans
Eric Hartmann
Tyler Mitchell
Hana Strickler
Hilary Tanner, President
Paul Tomkins, Treasurer
Keenen Wilson, Secretary
Samantha Yeager-Walrath

The Davenport Public Library Foundation’s IRS 990 Forms are available here.