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The Dare County Library Foundation, an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established in 2002 to support and enhance Dare County Library services, resources, and programs.  

The Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of services that Dare County Library provides to the community by supporting library programs and projects not normally available through public funding and thus enhancing the library’s ability to grow and meet the needs of its patrons.

Downloadable PDF Brochure 

Over the course of its’ twenty year existence, the Dare County Library Foundation has been instrumental in facilitating upgrades to library technology services, purchasing furnishings for the public and staff, and providing start-up money for multiple library projects such as Book Clubs, the Seed Library, and our participation in the Library Speakers Consortium. 

In recent years, Dare County Library has relied heavily on the Foundation to fund our annual Summer Reading Program at all three library branches. With these funds, our Children’s Librarians are able to provide a robust series of programs over the course of six weeks each summer promoting literacy and S.T.E.A.M. goals with programming and events open to all residents and guests of Dare County. 

A governing Board of Directors oversees the endowment fund with a diversified portfolio, ensuring proper investment and appropriate use.  
Dare County Library Foundation Officers and Board Members
Meaghan Leenaarts Beasley, Ex-officio Director
Susan Sawin, Chair 
Chris Stafford, Vice Chair
Mary Lou Hoffert, Secretary 
Jayne Young, Treasurer 
Hannah Forslund, Vice Treasurer 

Standard Meeting dates as established by the Executive Board on 27 March 2024

The executive board and the full board will meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 11:00 am with location rotating among libraries.  The full board will meet quarterly and the executive board monthly.  When both groups would meet on the same date, only the full board will meet.  Other meetings may be scheduled. 

2026 Meeting Schedule was established at the Board Meeting of 11 December 2024

The board established a meeting schedule for 2026: fourth Fridays at 9:00 AM in January, March, May, August, October, and potentially December

Gifts of any size are always welcome. As a registered non-profit, donations to the Dare County Library Foundation may be tax deductible.  

Checks or money orders, made payable to “Dare County Library Foundation,” may be left at any Dare County Library or mailed to the Dare County Library Foundation at P.O. Box 1125, Manteo, NC 27954.  

Donate today! 

Make a one-time donation or become a Sustainer - it's easy! 

Who Should I donate to - the Library or the Foundation? 

For more information about the Dare County Library or to find out how you can get involved, contact Meaghan Leenaarts Beasley at 252-473-2372 or meaghan.beasley@darenc.gov. 

Support for the Foundation may also be given by:

  • Including Dare County Library Foundation in a Will – as a bequest or testamentary gift,

  • Designating Dare County Library Foundation as an IRA Beneficiary,

  • Naming Dare County Library Foundation as Beneficiary of a Life Insurance Policy,

  • Using a Qualified Charitable Donation (QCD) option through an IRA.

Legal and/or tax professionals should be consulted when exercising these options.