Your support brings these resources to our library!
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to support the St. Helena Public Library by funding programs that engage the community in cultural and intellectual adventure, enhancing collections, and inspiring our community’s philanthropic support, advocacy, and pride in our library.
The St. Helena Public Library is a hub of knowledge, culture and communication and a source of pride for our community. Friends & Foundations raises funds to support this award-winning institution. Here are just a few of the programs and resources that would not be possible without your support:
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Storytime, summer reading challenge and early literacy programs that help children develop a lifelong love of reading
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Educational support and social activities for teens
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Visual and performing arts exhibits and cultural events for all ages
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Digital resources
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The purchase of new books and other materials
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Staff support for special projects
Meet the Board
The primary source of the St. Helena Library’s revenue comes from the City of St. Helena and covers the staffing and basic operational costs of the library. The financial support for the Library’s innovative community programs come from one-time funds, which are not guaranteed year after year. The Friends and Foundation was established to enhance the resources and services of the St. Helena Public Library through fundraising and advocacy.
Carol Gruetzner
President
Jacob Langfelder
Board Member
Laura Levy Shatkin
Vice President
Laura Symon
Board Member
Tennesse Blix
Treasurer
Courtney Shifflett
Board Member
John Hefelbower
Board Member
Zia Wesley
Board Member
Meet
Ben Hill
Executive Director
Ben was recruited from Florida to Napa Valley in 2009 to develop a capital campaign for St, Helena Hospital. For the past 14 years he has been focused on creating a pipeline of new donors to support projects in Orthopedic Care, Cancer Care, Heart Care and Lifestyle Medicine.
Thanks to the generosity of Foundation Board members, Community donors and
organizational gifts, more than 31 MM has been donated to advance the mission of St. Helena Hospital and Clearlake Hospital.
He is excited to join the St. Helena Public Library Friends & Foundation and build philanthropic support to fund programs that engage the community in cultural and intellectual adventure and create a deeper sense of pride in our library. The mission of the library is aligned with his dedication to improve literacy and foster early childhood development. His goal in this new role will be grow the pipeline of donors who are making major gifts and bequests to the Friends and Foundation.
Over the past few years, he has cultivated his passion for music and active listening and developed a service project for Seniors and Veteran’s, who are lonely and isolated. In 2016 he founded the volunteer group VisitMeToday which brings music, a listening ear, a watchful eye and helping hand to Seniors and
Veteran’s in Napa Valley.
Ben is single and lives in Napa. He is a board member of St. Helena Rotary club. He volunteers at the California Home for Veteran’s and enjoys competing in amateur golf events.
He has a daughter Danielle who is a Radiologist. She lives in Bentonville Arkansas with her husband David and daughters Colette and Eloise.