On behalf of myself and the residents of the City of Milwaukee, I’d like to publicly thank former Senator Herb Kohl for his incredibly generous gift of $2 million to our Public Library Foundation. This gift, which was announced as a surprise at the foundation dinner, blew us all away. We are so grateful for his philanthropy, thoughtfulness, and true desire to inspire our youth and help them discover the wonders of learning. This seed planted early often translates to ongoing educational pursuits into adulthood, and trickles into the fibers of our city’s economic well-being.

Senator Kohl’s gift will engage our young children with literacy programs, and cannot be used to replace city funding. As a Trustee on the Library Board, I must say there is no greater gift than the investment in our future through our youth. I can only imagine the way our children’s eyes will light up when they learn that the Senator invested in programs that will positively impact their futures for decades to come.

I am touched and honored by this gracious gift from Senator Kohl. Thank you for providing our children with the hope for a brighter future.