Erie Regional Library Foundation, Inc.

The history of the Library Foundation began with the vision and friendship of two men. Raymond M. Blasco, M.D. lived his life quietly here in Erie. A highly regarded family physician, Dr. Blasco practiced in Erie County for over thirty years before retiring to Florida. Throughout his life, Dr. Blasco remained friends with community leader and real estate manager, Jim Spiegel. The two men shared many interests, chief among them was a love of libraries. The Foundation's mission is to broaden the Library's fundraising capabilities and ensure that the Library can receive specialized contributions, such as gifts of stock, estate gifts and charitable annuities.

The Library Foundation keeps donated funds separate from tax-generated funds, allowing the donated funds to be invested wisely, but more aggressively, through the Erie Community Foundation. With an emphasis on higher fundraising visibility, the Foundation encourages residents throughout the County to contribute to the Library's system-wide goals and needs. The Library Foundation is committed to ensuring the vitality and excellence of the Erie County Public Library System for future generations of County residents.