The Beloit Public Library Foundation honored key volunteers and community supporters during its annual Donor Appreciation Event, celebrating the generosity that helps make library programs, outreach, and lifelong learning opportunities possible for Beloit residents of all ages.
Each year, the Foundation raises money to support Beloit Public Library (BPL) programs, helping fund opportunities that serve the community’s youngest learners through its most seasoned residents. In the past year, Foundation-sponsored programs generated more than 6,500 participant experiences, including connections through The Civics Academy, ABC Playgroup, the Summer Reading Program, 4th Wednesday Book Club, Bookleggers Program, and more.
Friends at Beloit Library Receives First Edition Award
The Foundation presented its First Edition Award to Friends at Beloit Library (FABL), recognizing the organization’s extraordinary volunteer service, financial support, and lasting impact on Beloit Public Library. The First Edition Award was established in 2025 to honor individuals, programs, or organizations whose contributions have shaped Beloit Public Library’s story in lasting and meaningful ways.
“A first edition is rare and one of a kind, and this award recognizes dedication and impact that are equally special,” said BPL Foundation Executive Director Lisa Ingalls. “Friends at Beloit Library truly embodies that spirit of generosity, service, and partnership. Their volunteers work quietly and consistently behind the scenes, and their support makes a meaningful difference for library patrons of all ages.”
FABL was established in 1978 to provide advocacy and financial support to BPL and to give the public a way to participate in supporting library services. Today, FABL raises funds through the sale of donated and withdrawn library books, including an ongoing book sale in the library lobby and larger warehouse sales open to the public.
In 2026, FABL earmarked approximately $26,000 to the library, plus committed to a $10,000 donation to Discovery PLAYce. That support is made possible by about 40 volunteers, who maintain lobby book sale shelves and carts, organize warehouse sales, and help process roughly 120 donated books from the public each week, along with a similar number of withdrawn library books. FABL’s larger book sales feature an average of about 7,000 books and require nearly 200 volunteer hours to execute.
FABL’s financial support helps library staff initiate programs and services that would not otherwise be covered by public funding. One shared point of pride for both the Foundation and FABL is Bookleggers, a third-grade reading program that brings books into schools throughout the year and welcomes students to the library for field trips. The Foundation helps fund the books, while FABL helps pay for buses and provides volunteer support.
Library Champion Award Honors Kathy McCoy and Kathy Hendricks
The Foundation also presented the Library Champion Award to Kathy Hendricks and Kathy McCoy – two individuals who were instrumental in moving Discovery PLAYce from an idea to a reality.
“Their vision, leadership, and willingness to take on the challenge of getting this project moving made an extraordinary difference,” Ingalls said. “Because of these women, Discovery PLAYce is becoming a reality for the families and children of Beloit. Our community will benefit from their efforts for many years to come, and we are truly grateful.”
Discovery PLAYce will be a free, interactive early learning environment inside Beloit Public Library, designed for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers. The space will support early literacy, school readiness, and caregiver engagement through hands-on, play-based learning experiences.
The evening also included a short presentation from Library Director Nick Dimassis updating the status of Discovery PLAYce. Currently in the fabrication phase, Discovery PLAYce is planned to open in the fall.
For more information about the Beloit Public Library Foundation and how to support programs and recognition efforts like these, visit beloitlibrary.org/foundation.
