Expanding programming, advocacy and long-term support for an essential community resource
NEW ORLEANS — Today, it was announced that the two nonprofits that support the New Orleans Public Library, known as the Friends of New Orleans Public Library and the New Orleans Public Library Foundation, have merged to create a new nonprofit organization that will be known as the Library Foundation of New Orleans. This merger allows the combination of financial assets, which will increase the nonprofit’s ability to pursue larger projects, secure new funding opportunities and streamline operations.
“We are extremely excited for this new chapter,” said Shannan Cvitanovic, former executive director of the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library and new executive director of the Library Foundation of New Orleans. “Across the country, library friends groups and foundations are increasingly merging. While the administrative cost savings are clear, these partnerships also create a more streamlined path for the public to support their library system.”
This merger was made possible by the visionary support and partnership of the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Strategic Restructuring and Mergers Fund. This Fund helps nonprofits scale their impact and provides the tools, training and “Mission Accelerator” grants needed to navigate everything from reimagined operations to full-scale mergers.
“Partnering and collaboration are inherent values of the nonprofit sector. Moving strategic partnerships forward, especially those that include restructuring and consolidation, doesn’t come easy; the processes require bold leadership, expertise, and resources,” said Kellie Chavez Greene, Vice President for Programs at the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “We are grateful to the donors who’ve invested in our Fund so that we can support exciting efforts like the consolidation that created the Library Foundation of New Orleans.”
“It has been our pleasure to work over the past two years to create a new entity focused on ensuring the health of the library system,” said Demetric Mercadel, former board president of the New Orleans Public Library Foundation. “Our new foundation will expand programming, advocacy and long-term support.”
The New Orleans Public Library now operates a 15-location system with a collection of more than 466,000 items and enriches the community with access to free services and resources. It is currently in year six of a ten year plan that focuses its efforts on improving programs for early literacy, workforce development and digital and mobile outreach to patrons.
“We could not do what we do without support,” said Emily Painton, executive director & city librarian of the New Orleans Public Library. “This is a major step forward in sustaining vital programs and deepening investment opportunities for the library’s future, ensuring we can better serve every New Orleanian.”
The Friends of the New Orleans Public Library began in 1957 as an all-volunteer organization raising funds for library support. Over the years, it has added staff positions to add capacity and consistency to its fundraising, which has focused mainly on individual donors and used book sales. The New Orleans Public Library Foundation was founded in 1990 to create a professional fundraising enterprise for the library.
For more information about the Library Foundation of New Orleans, please visit supportlfno.org.
About Friends of New Orleans Public Library
Friends of New Orleans Public Library (FNOPL) works to ensure that New Orleans has an exceptional public library system that meets the diverse needs of the people it serves. Through advocacy and fundraising, FNOPL supports the programs of the public library, an institution that educates individuals and fosters an informed community.
About New Orleans Public Library Foundation
The mission of the New Orleans Public Library Foundation is to support of the city of New Orleans library system and city-wide literacy efforts through partner organizations, community organizations, and initiatives, including fundraising and expending funds to supplement library operations.
About New Orleans Public Library
With origins dating back to 1843, the New Orleans Public Library has grown from a single French Quarter house with a few volumes into a city-wide system serving all of Orleans Parish with 15 locations throughout the City. The Library’s mission is to transform lives, enrich neighborhoods, and preserve history.
About the Greater New Orleans Foundation
With roots extending over 100 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation connects generous people to the causes that spark their passion. As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, we work every day to drive positive impact by championing charitable giving, strengthening nonprofits, and leading civic projects in our thirteen-parish region. In addition to grantmaking, we convene people, resources, and ideas to create intelligent strategies and solutions to meet our region’s greatest challenges. We are proud to serve as a vocal civic leader with our partners to ensure a thriving, sustainable, and just region for all. Learn more at www.gnof.org.