Have you ever tried to use the microfilm reader here at the library to look up information in our archived newspapers? If so, you know that it can be a complicated endeavor. First, the reel must be loaded correctly onto the machine. Then, a researcher must learn how to use the software to save images. Most complicated though, is the inability to search by keyword. A searcher needs to know a general date range and then search manually, page by page, for their needed information.

One of our key priorities is to have the microfilm archive digitized so that information seekers can simply go to our webpage and search through these archives by keyword such as person, places, events, etc. To this end, we are fundraising to cover the cost of digitization and web hosting.

There is currently an opportunity to maximize support to the Digitization Project. With your help, the Winfield Public Library could secure our goal of $10,000 through Legacy’s Great Give campaign. Through this program, the Legacy Regional Community Foundation will match up to $4,545 in donations made to our endowment fund, thanks to a generous gift from Patterson Family Foundation and the Warrender Trust.

Here’s how it works:
• Make a donation to Legacy for the benefit of the Winfield Public Library by Friday, August 30th at 5:00 pm
• Place: Legacy, 1216 Main, Winfield or donate online at https://bit.ly/helpwpl

The 2024 match pool is $100,000 and will be divided among the participating nonprofit organizations up to $4,545 and possibly more per organization. Your gift to the Winfield Public Library will be set aside for the Digitization Project. Cash and checks made payable to Legacy Foundation dated and received between August 1 and August 30 are eligible for match consideration. Donations are tax deductible and can be divided among multiple organizations.

We are excited about the possibility of modernizing access to our local stories, culture, and history. We hope to make our archives accessible to upcoming generations. Thank you for considering this request and for your continued dedication to our community’s enrichment through the power of reading and learning.