Rock & Read fundraiser supports county's libraries

On June 15, the Madison Public Library and the Madison Public Library Foundation will host Rock & Read, a family fundraiser at Capital Brewery in Middleton to benefit the Beyond the Page project.

Beyond the Page is a joint effort of the Dane County Library Service and Madison Community Foundation [MCF] to create a permanent $1.4 million endowment that will be used in all 28 libraries in Dane County to promote programming in the humanities.

“The endowment fund is intended to provide county-wide, collaborative, cost-free programming,” said Tom Linfield, vice president for community impact for MCF. “For the first time in their history, Dane County libraries will share a growing pool of programming money to propose, plan, and promote new projects.” 

Rock & Read will showcase local musicians that are part of the Yahara Music Library such as Yid Vicious and have activities including book bag screen printing, summer reading club registration, a cake walk, and door prizes.

“We were determined to use this as an opportunity to offer an event for families and celebrate our new Yahara Music Library by employing local bands that are part of that project,” said Jenni Collins, Madison Public Library Foundation executive director.

Beyond the Page received a $350,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, requiring that for every $1 from the NEH, $3 in community dollars must be raised. In addition, each of the libraries committed to raising at least $10,000 and MCF worked with libraries across the county on soliciting major gifts.

“A strong grasp of the humanities helps us to form opinions, share ideas, and stretch our imaginations,” said Linfield.  “Libraries exist not only as repositories of content, much of it humanities content, but have also evolved into gathering places to present, appreciate and discuss that content.”

Rock & Read will be held from 2-5 pm. Pizza, soda and beer will be available for purchase at the event.  A $5 donation is suggested.