We Are on a Mission
The Library Foundation is a champion and financial supporter of the St. Louis County Library District. We help our libraries do more by:
- Securing financial support beyond public tax dollars.
- Funding and supporting programs and special projects that promote reading and literacy.
- Partnering with area groups and businesses to build a better community.
- Serving as an ambassador and advocate for our county libraries, their programs, and community impact.
Our History
The Library Foundation was founded in 1999, and since then we have been changing lives in our community every day. By mobilizing private resources to promote reading and literacy, we are enriching lives, stimulating minds, and invigorating discovery. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations and gifts are tax deductible, to the extent allowed by law. See Donor Bill of Rights & Confidentiality
Our Library
The St. Louis County Library District (SLCL) was established as a political subdivision of the State of Missouri with taxing authority by an election held in April of 1946. The first library building opened in 1947 and was quickly followed by two branch locations in the heavily populated portion of North County. The 1960s saw an additional four branches, including a new Headquarters building and the first of many building expansions. This building boom resulted in the construction of branches throughout the 524 square miles of the county. A tax levy passed in 1973 allowed the library to add 12 branches to the system, bringing the total number of branch locations to 20. The library is supported primarily by the property taxes of District residents.
Over half a million people have St. Louis County Library cards! In terms of circulation, SLCL is the busiest library in the state of Missouri, and one of the largest circulating libraries in the United States.