Paving the Path to Possibility.

MISSION The Erie Regional Library Foundation's (ERLF) mission is to secure the funding necessary to build branch libraries and provide for the dynamic new projects & programs that keep our libraries creative, flexible, and ready to serve     

Founded in 2000, ERLF was originally established to raise the funds necessary to build Erie County Public Library (ECPL) branches. Funds raised from the community, with the lead coming from the Trust Estate of Raymond M. Blasco, M.D., led to the construction of branches in Erie, Lawrence Park, Fairview, and Edinboro. The Millcreek branch exists in leased space at the Millcreek Mall complex. Through extensive fundraising efforts, ERLF has been able to fund the strategic plan for Erie County's Public Libraries and the master plan for the renovations to the Blasco Library. ERLF invested in the first two phases of the master plan (Idea Lab and Teen Space) and pledged matching funds to support ECPL system's inclusion in the Innovation Beehive along with the four Erie County universities. ERLF’s nearly 20-year record of achievement, active board of trustees, development associate and administrative support is evidence of our capacity to carry out this important work. ERLF's collaborations with ECPL's leadership and staff, the Friends of the Library, and Erie County Library's Advisory Board is further proof of our commitment to the community’s last free community resource.    Our Foundation was established in 2000 as the philanthropic tributary to the Erie County Public Library as a separate 501(c)3 charitable organization with its own Board of Directors and governance.