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Our History

The Nesbitt Memorial Library Foundation (NMLF) was chartered in 1994 as a nonprofit organization under IRS code 501(c)(3).  The original members were Jim Kearney, Tracey Wegenhoft, and Bill Stein.  At that time both Jim Kearney and Tracey Wegenhoft were serving on the Library Advisory Board.  Jim was president, and Tracey was a board member.  Bill Stein was the library’s librarian and archivist.  

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The purpose of NMLF was to provide monetary support for the Archives and Texas Room of the Nesbitt Memorial Library.  Creation of the Foundation was seen as a way to pursue the vision of the archival excellence espoused by Bill Stein.  He saw the grand potential of the Nesbitt as the nerve center of historical consciousness and accuracy for Colorado County.

 

The Nesbitt Memorial Library Foundation was established as an independent organization for raising money and awareness for the Nesbitt Memorial Library to acquire materials and resources over and above those provided by the City of Columbus.  The guiding principle from the beginning was to contribute funds as the needs arose but to also build a financial reserve.  Historically, the Foundation has spent about 50% of the funds taken in while setting aside the other 50% in reserves.

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In accordance with our Mission Statement, the Foundation does not contribute to regular operations and maintenance of the library; those remain the responsibility of the City of Columbus.

Bill Stein, archivist & foundation finder and Laura Ann Rau, benefactor

Our Mission

​The mission of the Nesbitt Memorial Library Foundation, Inc. of  Columbus, Texas, is to provide financial support to the Nesbitt Memorial Library and Archives beyond the ongoing operational support provided by the City of Columbus.  The support provided by NMLF enables the library to provide the services, programs, and resources not provided by the city.  Nesbitt Memorial Library Foundation uses fundraising events to promote public awareness of the history of Columbus and surrounding area while promoting the Archives as a repository of that history.  NMLF is a nonprofit organization as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), and donations to NMLF are tax deductible to the donor in accordance with the law.

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Our Board of Directors

President- Tracey Wegenhoft
Vice President- Currie Luedecke
Treasurer- Ester Chandler
Secretary- Marilyn Wade
Member- Roger Wade
Library Director- Lynnette Weido
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What We’ve Accomplished

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Since our founding, the NMLF has played a critical role in elevating the Nesbitt Memorial Library’s offerings and reach. Highlights of our work include:

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  • Purchased rare (and expensive) volumes of books and documents, as well as works of art that relate to Columbus, Colorado County, and Texas history

  • Funded and produced the Nesbitt Memorial Library Journal

  • Initiated the acclaimed Live Oaks and Dead Folks Cemetery Tour – an annual event

  • Hosted book-signing events, lectures, and cultural programs for the community

  • Paid to remodel and upgrade the Bill Stein Texas Room

  • Hired an expert, Dr. James Smallwood, to organize the archival vault — a task that took over a year

  • Initiated the Historical Symposium featuring some of the top historical scholars of Texas

  • Provide monetary support for the Children’s Summer Reading Program and other programs as needed

  • Sponsor the Annual Book Sale Event

  • Purchased the lot next to the library for future library expansion needs

  • Currently working on plans to add "The Annex" to the library utilizing the lot next to the library

  • Remodeled the library kitchen that is located in the meeting room

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