Beloit Public Library and its Foundation are proud to announce the official launch of the 100 Extraordinary Women™ campaign to support Discovery PLAYce, a bold new early learning initiative at the library. The campaign kicks off Saturday, September 6 at the Beloit Farmers Market, where library staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions, gather pledges, and invite women across the community to be part of something extraordinary.
Discovery PLAYce, opening in Fall 2026, will transform 6,000 square feet of the library into an interactive early childhood learning lab. The space will feature research-based, hands-on Learning Play Stations for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers, all designed to build early literacy, school readiness, and caregiver confidence through purposeful play. With 88% of Beloit’s third graders reading below grade level, Discovery PLAYce aims to change the story—starting at birth.
The 100 Extraordinary Women™ campaign invites 100 women—or groups of women—to each give or pledge $1,000 (payable over 5 years) in support of this transformative project. Supporters can choose to make a one-time gift of $1,000, pledge $200 per year for five years, or contribute approximately $18 per month (the cost of just a few cups of coffee) over five years—whatever works best for their budget.
Donations will fund:
- Interactive, culturally responsive Learning Play Stations
- Five years of staff-led programming and outreach
- Community pop-up play kits
- Ongoing evaluation to ensure measurable impact
Women may donate in their own name, or in honor or memory of another extraordinary woman. Men are also welcome to donate in honor or memory of a woman who is meaningful to them. Groups like book clubs, co-workers, or families may pool resources to make a collective gift.
“Discovery PLAYce is going to be an extraordinary asset for all children in our community to get access to fun learning opportunities that will help them reach their full potential,” said Lori Packard Dabson, 100EW Co-Chair and retired kindergarten teacher and child development teacher. “Through this campaign, we’re giving every woman the opportunity to make a bold investment in Beloit’s future.”
The campaign is led by a passionate committee of local women who are working together to build momentum and engage the community. Committee members include Lori Packard Dabson (Co-Chair), Mary Kaminski (Co-Chair), Florence Haley, Regina Hendrix, Michelle Hendrix-Nora, Lisa Ingalls, Jennifer Kodl, Amy Lokrantz, Amy Mitchell, Dawn Stadelman, and Jodi Sweeney.
The names of all extraordinary women will be permanently honored with naming rights to the Baby/Toddler Learning Play Station inside Discovery PLAYce.
The campaign will culminate in a complimentary celebratory event on Monday, December 8 at The Beloit Club—an uplifting gathering to honor the extraordinary strength, generosity, and impact of women, and to celebrate raising $100,000 together in support of Beloit’s children. Anyone who has made a gift or pledge through the 100EW challenge will be invited.
Campaign progress updates will be shared on the library’s Facebook page and on the campaign thermometer at 100extraordinarywomen.com.
To make a gift to the 100 Extraordinary Women campaign for Discovery PLAYce, visit https://100extraordinarywomen.com/donate-to-causes. Select “Discovery PLAYce at Beloit Public Library” from the list of causes, then choose your giving option. Or visit the Beloit Public Library booth on Saturday, September 6 at the Beloit Farmers Market.
