Foundation & Celebration of Learning

Dr. Cynthia Hardy

Former Library Board of Trustees President Dr. Cynthia Hardy helped create the Carnegie Society and was instrumental in developing the library’s art acquisition process. During her tenure the library hosted the first Black Caucus of the American Library Association.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation began as the Carnegie Society in 1990, formed by Ellen Bachmann, Ann Hoaglin, Charlotte Kessler, Cordelia Robinson and Andrew Sonderman. The name was officially changed to the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation in 2005. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is building resources for the sole purpose of advancing the library for generations to come.

The Foundation held the first Celebration of Learning, the Foundation’s signature fundraising event, in 1993 to raise funds for the library’s greatest needs and highest priorities. Typically held on the first Friday of November, the event features remarks from a well-known author and dinner from one of the area’s finest restaurants. It culminates in the presentation of the Julian Sinclair Smith Award given to a central Ohio resident who demonstrates a dedication to education and a passion for lifelong learning. Occasionally, the Foundation Award is also presented to a dedicated volunteer who has made a significant impact on the legacy of the library.

Since its founding, Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation has successfully completed several campaigns, secured funding for many of the library’s signature programs and received generous donations from community members. The people in the community love their library and show it through continued commitment with increasing donations each year.

1999 Celebration of Learning

The fundraiser drew a large audience to hear featured author Margaret Atwood.

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First Julian Sinclair Smith Award Recipient

Author Ray Bradbury (left) with Clifford Tyree, winner of the first Julian Sinclair Smith Award. The Columbus Dispatch and Warner Cable Communications, Inc. were co-sponsors of the gala.

2022 Celebration of Learning

The Foundation hosted the 30th Annual Celebration of Learning in November 2022. Banners in recognition of the event’s sponsors hung throughout the atrium.

Barbara and Al Siemer

At-risk families, and particularly children, have benefited from Barbara and Al Siemer’s vision and extraordinary generosity. They care deeply for the community and want to create opportunities for families to thrive and for students to achieve academic success. From Barbara serving more than two decades on the Foundation board to their family investing through philanthropic gifts to the library, they have made a lasting impact.