Waukegan Public Library Foundation

The Waukegan Public Library Foundation, established in 1986, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which encourages voluntary financial support for the Waukegan Public Library. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Waukegan Public Library.

The purposes of the Foundation include focusing public attention on library services, facilities and needs in the Waukegan area; to stimulate and encourage the gifts of funds, books, desirable collections, endowments and bequests to the library; and to receive, hold, manage, use and dispose of funds and properties of all kinds, whether given absolutely or in trust, for the benefit of the Waukegan Public Library.

The Foundation represents the dreams of the future, anticipating the highest level of service the Waukegan Public Library can provide. Tax dollars provide a good library; gifts make it an excellent library. Let us know how you would like to assist. Please contact the Executive Director Tiffany Verzani, 847-775-2581.

Library After Hours: 125th Birthday Celebration Fundraiser
Saturday, April 20 from 7-10pm

Celebrate Waukegan Public Library’s amazing history and plans for the future. This event will feature appetizers, drinks, raffles, Waukegan history art exhibits, photo booth, whiskey tasting, fun art activities, live music, and dancing! All proceeds will support the creation of a new makerspace – a multifunctional space designed to help the Waukegan community learn, create, collaborate, and have fun with technology. Equipment will include laser cutter & engraver, sewing & embroidery machines, 3D printer, and digital media lab. Raffle prizes include White Sox and Chicago Fire Tickets, golf outing, wine tasting, salon day, gift cards, and more.
Tickets on sale in March 1 for $25.00. Click here to purchase.


Thank you to our PLATINUM SPONSOR:  

Thank you to our GOLD SPONSOR:                                  

Thank you to our SILVER SPONSORS:


Sponsorship Opportunities

Platinum Sponsor – $5,000 – Click here to donate 
Recognition on our donor wall – Participation in opening remarks at the event – Your organizational profile and logo featured on the library’s website and event program – Your organizational profile and logo shared on the library’s social media in an exclusive “Thank You” post – Recognition banner at the event – Recognition on all digital platforms and print materials – 20 tickets to the event

Gold Sponsor- $2,500 – Click here to donate
Your organizational logo featured on the library’s website and event program – Your organizational logo shared on the library’s social media in an exclusive “Thank You” post – Recognition banner at the event – Recognition on all digital platforms and print materials – 10 tickets to the event

Silver Sponsor – $1,000 – Click here to donate
Your organizational logo on the library’s website and event program – Recognition banner at the event – Recognition on all digital platforms and print materials – 5 tickets to the event

Bronze Sponsor- $500 – Click here to donate
Organizational logo featured in the event program Recognition banner at the event 2 tickets to the event Quasquicentennial Sponsor- $125 Recognition banner at the event

Quasquicentennial Sponsor – $125 – Click here to donate
Recognition banner at the event

Giving to the Foundation

Your gift to the Waukegan Public Library Foundation will make a difference in the lives of our patrons and support continued growth and enhancement of library services, spaces, and programs. Click the Donate button below to visit our PayPal site to make your one-time or recurring monthly gift or contact Executive Director Tiffany Verzani at (847) 623-2094, or via email.

Donations to the Waukegan Public Library, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, are tax-deductible.    DONATE TODAY

Annual Giving

The Foundation gratefully welcomes recurring annual or monthly gifts and one-time gifts of any amount. Every dollar donated impacts lives through learning because every donation directly supports our essential programs and services. You may set up a recurring gift via PayPal.

Planned Giving

The Waukegan Public Library and the Waukegan Public Library Foundation are honored by your wish to include the Library in your estate planning. A gift to the Library is an enduring legacy of your commitment to bettering our community through literacy.

Recent Projects & Events

Annual Foundation Meet & Greet is held each fall at Nightshade & Dark’s from 4-6pm on Sunday. Join us for relaxed, fun conversation, door prizes, and a chance to learn about the Foundation and how you can help make a positive impact on our community.

Giving Tuesday is a day to encourage people to give back to their community and find ways to do good. Every year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving Day, the Foundation asks that you consider donating to them. Another way to give back is to consider providing your time by becoming a member of the Foundation. Use the link above to donate.

Mobile Services Van – in partnership with Great Lakes Credit Union and Consumers Credit Union, the Foundation supported the purchase of a Ford Transit Van for continued development of community outreach services. The van was received in late February 2024 and will be out in the community starting in late spring/early summer 2024. Your continued donations will support new initiatives, such as stories in the park, school delivery services, and more. Help us to see our library on-the-go.

The Library Foundation’s Light It Up Blue Autism Awareness Fundraiser in April 2023 was a big success and raised funds for a new Sensory Kit collection of therapeutic tools, toys, and activities to support the growth and development of young people. Items include noise canceling headphones, social emotional learning activity cards, tactile boards, weighted stuffies, communication tools, and more. The Foundation also helped support the creation of a new inclusive space for individual and small group use – The Comfort Zone: A Sensory Room for Kids, Friends, and Families