FAQs • Johnston, IA • CivicEngage

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What is the difference between the Library Board and the Library Foundation?: Library Board members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council. The Board makes administrative decisions for the library such as adopting policies and setting the budget. The Library Foundation works to raise private funds for library services and decides how those funds will be used.

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Library - Foundation

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1. Don’t my taxes pay for the Johnston Public Library?: While public funds make libraries possible, donations and community support allow libraries to flourish. Contributions, large and small, go to support technologies, programs, and community needs that are beyond the library's operating budget.

2. Is the Foundation a city entity?: No. The Johnston Public Library Foundation is an independent 501c(3) organization led and funded by community members like you.

3. How is the Foundation organized?: The Foundation has a Board made up of local volunteers. Elected positions on the board include a President, Vice president, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Library Director, the Library Board President, a member of the Friends of the Library, and nine to eleven additional members make up the rest of the Foundation Board. Interested in getting involved? Contact us to learn more.

4. What is the difference between the Library Board and the Library Foundation?: Library Board members are appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council. The Board makes administrative decisions for the library such as adopting policies and setting the budget. The Library Foundation works to raise private funds for library services and decides how those funds will be used.

5. How will my donation be used?: 100% of your donation will be used to support collection development, programs, technology initiatives, and other library services. Contact us if you're interested in your donation being used for a specific project or need.