ABOUT US

The Great Falls Public Library Foundation

is a private, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1968 to help support and promote the Great Falls Public Library.

Mission

The Great Falls Public Library Foundation exists to help support and promote the Great Falls Public Library and its programs.

Our vision is simple yet profound:

Libraries create memories that last a lifetime. Through our work, we provide an opportunity for community members to both pay it back and pay it forward.

Our
History

The Great Falls Public Library Foundation was established in 1968 as a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a singular mission:

to support and enhance the Great Falls Public Library's programs and services.

For over five decades, the Foundation has served as the cornerstone of philanthropic support for our library, ensuring that this vital community resource continues to thrive and evolve. Our Foundation carries forward a proud tradition of library support in Great Falls that dates back to the earliest days of our community. The city's commitment to library services began shortly after Montana achieved statehood in 1889, when Paris Gibson and his wife Valeria helped establish the first public library in Great Falls, mirroring their earlier efforts in Minneapolis.

This spirit of community investment in knowledge and learning continues today

through our Foundation's work.

Powered by Community Support

The Foundation's ability to enhance library services is made possible entirely through the generosity of our donors.

From major gifts that transform entire library spaces to modest contributions that fund children's programming, every donation makes a meaningful difference. Our donors understand that libraries are more than buildings with books—they are dynamic centers of learning, creativity, and community connection.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the countless individuals, families, businesses, and organizations who have supported the Foundation through financial contributions, volunteer hours, and advocacy. Your belief in the importance of a strong public library has enabled countless Great Falls residents to explore, discover, and connect through library resources and programs.

Looking to the Future

As we look ahead, the Great Falls Public Library Foundation is committed to helping the library evolve to meet the changing needs of our community. We are actively working to secure the resources necessary to transform and update the Library's physical spaces, expand digital offerings, and ensure programming remains diverse, inclusive, and accessible to all.

Your continued support is essential as we work toward this vision.

Whether through a one-time gift, a legacy bequest, or participation in our fundraising events, your contribution helps ensure that the Great Falls Public Library remains a vibrant hub of knowledge, inspiration, and opportunity for generations to come.

Join us in building a library for the future—where innovation meets tradition, where curiosity is celebrated, and where our community's stories continue to unfold.

The Great Falls Public Library Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees and an Executive Director.