Seeking Passionate New Members
We have one of the best libraries in the state, and the Library Foundation has been key in improving our facility. The stairway mural going up the stairs to the Children's Department, conference room furniture, outdoor signage, book display furniture, and event monitors are all projects the Foundation funded. We are a 15-member group with a passion for the library, and we meet for 90 minutes once a month. Meetings are open to the public, and anyone interested in volunteering can check out a future meeting (the third Wednesday of the month at 6 PM).
Interested in becoming a member? We'd love to meet you. Email a letter of inquiry and your resume to Marty Ropog, president of the Library Foundation: foundation@smfpl.org.
Or send it by mail:
Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Foundation
3512 Darrow Rd.
Stow, OH 44224
We're working to raise funds for around-the-clock access with 24-Hour Book Pickup Lockers
The Library Foundation is currently raising funds for a set of 24-Hour Book Pickup Lockers to be installed outside the library. These lockers would allow patrons to pick up materials at the library after-hours. Similar to an Amazon locker, the secure unit would include a screen that allows for self-service, a return bin, and 32 lockers. In addition to 24/7 access, the Library Book Pick Up Lockers would allow greater privacy for patrons picking up materials on sensitive topics.
We are hoping to raise $72,000 for the project by next spring for the lockers to be installed in the fall of 2024. We still need to raise $38,000 to reach our goal. Will you help us? Click the button to make a secure, online donation.
Other Ways to Give
Cash
The most popular and easiest way to make a gift to the Stow-Munroe Falls Library Foundation is by credit card or check. To make a one-time gift online, go to the Library Foundation's secure donation portal. Checks should be made payable to the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Foundation and mailed to:
- Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
- ATTN: Library Foundation
- 3512 Darrow Rd.
- Stow, Ohio 44224
Cash donations may be claimed as charitable deductions on income tax returns.
Monthly/Recurring Donations
A recurring monthly gift of $10, $25, $50, or beyond will make a significant impact. You can set up a monthly gift on the Library Foundation's secure donation portal.
Employer Gift Matching
Double your impact with matching gifts. Many employers will match charitable contributions made by employees or retired workers. Ask your employer if they offer a matching gift program.
Planned Giving
A planned gift is any deferred gift intended to benefit the future of the Stow-Munroe Falls Library Foundation. Create your own legacy of giving by including the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library in your will, trust, or general estate plans. Please seek the help of your financial advisor if you are considering a planned gift. You can make a planned gift in several ways:
- Bequests - The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Foundation may be named as a beneficiary in a will or trust. Bequests may take the form of cash, securities, real estate, or other assets.
- Insurance - The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Foundation may be named a beneficiary or owner of life insurance policies as a current or deferred gift.
- Securities - Charitable gifts of stocks, bonds, shares in mutual funds and other investment securities may be made to the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Foundation.
- Retirement Assets - There can be significant tax advantages to donating retirement assets to charity as part of an estate plan. Charitable donations of retirement assets can minimize the amount of income taxes imposed on both your individual heirs and your estate.
For more information about making a gift to the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Foundation, please contact Foundation President Marty Ropog at foundation@smfpl.org or Emily Troyer at (330) 688-3295 ext. 1002.
We are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, and your gift is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law. Thank you for your consideration!
Meet the Library Foundation
Marty Ropog
President
Director, Ohio Literacy Resource Center, Kent State University
Joined the Library Foundation in 2022
Reason for volunteering as a Library Foundation member: I’ve always appreciated how our library has evolved to meet the needs of the community while still providing access to an amazing collection of reading material. Among its many services, the Library provides access to meeting and study rooms; document scanning; technology and research assistance; community events; and support via phone, walk-in, email, and online chat. Volunteering for the Foundation allows me to help the library and its amazing staff in their service to the community.
Favorite library service: I love telling people about what’s available in the Eclectic Collection when they need something for just a short period of time. Need a bike lock? Wifi hotspot? Slide converter? Traffic cones? Radon detector? The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library has all of that and more available for patrons to borrow.
Carrie Malotte
Vice-President
VP, Commercial Lending at Westfield Bank
Joined the Library Foundation in 2022
Reason for volunteering as a Library Foundation member: Service is at the heart of everything I do and a library is the heart of a community. It connects people to information, people to people, as well as provides valuable programs for children and families. They promote literacy, learning, and fun. The Stow Munroe Falls Public Library is one of the best libraries in the county and I am honored to be able to help support it’s mission and services.
Favorite library service: SMFPL has some of the best people in the industry and they do an amazing job out in the community.
Shelley Plas
Treasurer
Manager at CliftonLarsonAllen
Joined the Library Foundation in 2023
Reason for volunteering as a Library Foundation member: I volunteered for the Foundation to become more active in my local community.
Favorite library service: I love the children’s programming. I have great memories of these types of programs when my children were younger. I think these are extremely impactful and important.
Lori Bodnar
Secretary
Debbie DeVitis
Joined the Library Foundation in 2024
Reason for volunteering as a Library Foundation member: I volunteer to give back to the community. In the past, I have volunteered as an Adult Literacy Coach, helping adults learn to read. My oldest student was 60! I've worked at Habitat for Humanity in Florida at their resale store. I've also volunteered for Bulldog Bags here in Stow, a great program that ensures no child goes hungry on the weekends. No one knows the impact they may have by volunteering until they do! Many have time and energy to share and putting that time and energy into the community you live in will surely benefit all.
Favorite library service: My favorite library services are all the events held for every age group who visits our local library. From music to photography to reading programs for all children, no matter the age encourages and embraces all the library has to offer and will keep those individuals returning patrons well into old age. And I love the new Bookmobile! How lucky are we to have acquired that for outreach!
Maria Grimm
Joined the Library Foundation in 2024
Annie Hanson Hilaire
Director of Strategic Engagement and Recruitment, College of Health and Human Sciences, The University of Akron
Joined the Library Foundation in 2024
Reason for volunteering as a Library Foundation member: I started volunteering for the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library summer reading program as a sixth grader! I continue to volunteer in this capacity because I believe in the power of accessible knowledge and equitable education for all members of the community. Contributing my time allows me to support the library's mission of fostering a love for reading and learning, especially among children and underserved populations. Additionally, volunteering provides me with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that our efforts on the Foundation contribute to the enrichment of our community and the promotion of literacy.
Favorite library service: My family loves the Play and Learn Place in the Children's area.
Carla Wyckoff
Board of Trustees Liaison
Retired from Kent State University as Director, Communications and Special Projects
Joined the Library Foundation in 2019
Reason for volunteering as a Library Foundation member: In today’s ever-changing world, a library is an important and essential part of any community, providing a multitude of resources to patrons of all ages. I am proud to be a part of the Foundation and all of the projects that it has funded to help the library accomplish its mission.
Favorite library service: It is hard to pick just one but personally I enjoy the large selection of audiobooks available for free downloads. Listening to those keeps me entertained while I’m out walking.
About the Library Foundation
The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Foundation was incorporated in 1994 as a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation’s mission is to provide funds for significant projects that enhance the mission of the library and to build an endowment that will carry on the legacy of the library.
Your support helps pay for significant projects that fall outside the Library’s operating budget, providing enhancements for Stow and Munroe Falls citizens without using tax money.
Library Foundation Accomplishments
- Colorful, modular tables and chairs for the Children's Department
- Illuminated exterior signs on the north and east sides of the library
- Custom display unit in the lobby
- "Connect Zone" table in the front of the library
- LED signs, materials, and shelving for the Tween Spot at Spike's Place
- Mural in stairway to the Children's Floor
- Anti-Microbial flooring in the Children's Story Time room
- New Outreach Vehicle (in conjunction with the library)
- Half of the funding needed for the Children's and Teen events monitors
- Endowment with Akron Community Foundation
- Installed an electronic message board, in partnership with the Friends of the Library
- Acquired piano with funds from the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation
- Created a multimedia conference room
- Acquired 10 Apple iPads, in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Library Foundation Board and Members
- Marty Ropog, President
- Carrie Malotte, Vice-President
- Shelley Plas, Treasurer
- Lori Bodnar, Secretary
- Debbie DeVitis
- Maria Grimm
- Annie Hanson Hilaire
- Carla Wyckoff
Download Library Foundation Publications
