Our Mission
The Walnut Creek Library Foundation envisions a community where everyone has access to the resources, programs, and spaces that empower learning, spark creativity, and inspire a love of reading.
We strive to ensure that Walnut Creek’s libraries remain dynamic cultural and educational centers that enrich lives and strengthen our community for generations to come.
WCLF’s own Board President Samantha Francois will join “Ah, Wilderness” Production Director Titian Lish for this engaging celebration of storytelling. This special evening celebrates the timeless work of Eugene O’Neill — one of America’s greatest dramatists.
Experience a preview from the Eugene O’Neill Foundation’s Fall Festival production of “Ah, Wilderness!” — presented as a radio play, capturing the spirit of an era when storytelling lived in sound and imagination.
Thank you to the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House.
Your gift to the Walnut Creek Library Foundation helps keep our libraries thriving as centers of learning, culture, and community.
Donations fund vital programs for children and adults, expand access to books and technology, and ensure that everyone in our community can benefit from the power of knowledge.
Together, we can strengthen our libraries today and preserve them for future generations — please consider making a contribution today.
Make a donation.
Walnut Creek Library Foundation names new Executive Director
The Walnut Creek Library Foundation has named Joanna Grossman its new Executive Director. Joanna will help shape the Foundation’s vision and strategic direction, and guide the overall operations, including programming, donor relations and community engagement.
A seasoned nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of experience in the field, Joanna previously served as Executive Director of the Walnut Creek Education Foundation. She joined WCLF in January as interim Executive Director and led the organization’s 15th annual fundraising gala last month.
“We are so pleased that Joanna has decided to remain with us long-term,” said WCLF President Samantha Francois. “Her superb organizational and personal skills, combined with her deep roots in our community and a proven track record in fundraising, communications and volunteer engagement, make her an ideal choice to lead our Foundation and help us grow.”
Joanna describes herself as an avid reader and sports fan. She helps bring joy to school children with her volunteer work with her certified therapy dog Dugan.
Joanna can be reached at joanna@wclibrary.org.
WCLF Mourns the Passing of Board Member Ward Pynn
The Walnut Creek Library Foundation (WCLF) is deeply saddened to share the passing of Board of Directors member Ward Pynn, whose decades of service helped shape the Foundation and strengthen our community’s libraries.
Ward played a foundational role in the creation of WCLF. In 1998, he prepared the articles of incorporation, bylaws, federal and California exemption applications and charitable registration. Just months later, he was named one of the Foundation’s 10 original Board members and served as its first Vice President. He served on the WCLF Board for 28 years. As a Board member, Ward handled WCLF taxes and some of the Foundation's financial management needs, including an endowment policy in 2004. He also organized an annual workshop series called Finance 101. Ward also played key roles in capital upgrades to the Ygnacio Valley Library and in the development and construction of the Walnut Creek Library.
Ward’s enthusiasm, wit, and energy will be greatly missed.
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The Walnut Creek Library Foundation exists to enrich the experience at our Walnut Creek libraries. We do this through programming, fundraising and advocacy.
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