A library foundation is more than a financial supporter - it’s a bridge between the library and the community, empowering individuals and fostering growth through access to knowledge, technology, and culture.
Mission
The Tacoma Public Library Foundation strengthens Tacoma’s thriving communities by fueling our library system through philanthropy and outreach.
Vision
We believe libraries are vital to building strong, compassionate, and prepared communities, and that learning is a human right. Through outreach and philanthropy, the Foundation strengthens Tacoma Public Library’s vision to be a radically welcoming, trusted community hub where all people can find joy, compassion, and inspiration.
Values
Accessibility
Social Justice
Literacy + Learning
Sustainability
Creativity + Innovation
Compassion
Making a better South Sound Community
Advocacy and Awareness:
Tacoma Public Library Foundation advocates for the importance of libraries as centers of education, culture, and community connection. We work to raise public awareness of library initiatives, ensuring that people recognize their value and impact.
Fundraising and Resource Development:
Through donor contributions, grants, and special events, we are able to secure essential funding. These resources are often used to enhance library facilities, expand collections, and offer innovative programs that might not be possible through public funding alone.
Program Support:
The Tacoma Public Library Foundation funds and develops programs that promote literacy, lifelong learning, and digital access. This can include early literacy initiatives, technology workshops, cultural events, and educational resources for all ages.
Building Partnerships:
Collaborating with local businesses, schools, and civic organizations, the Foundation builds networks that amplify the library’s reach and effectiveness. These partnerships often result in shared resources, joint events, or unique learning opportunities.
Preserving and Innovating:
Tacoma Public Library Foundations provides aide for the Northwest Room in efforts to preserve historical archives, ensuring the record and legacy of the South Sound is documented for future generations. Efforts to ensure cutting-edge technology, modernized spaces, and digital access is available we bridge the digital and historical divide.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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Wayne Williams is an accomplished leader in business management, education, and community development with a career spanning over four decades. Holding an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, an MSE in Computer Information Sciences, and a BS in Mathematics, Wayne has built expertise in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and workforce development.
He is the owner of Progressive Ventures & Associates, offering consulting services in business planning and innovative solutions. Previously, Wayne served as Director of Business & Innovation at Metro Parks Tacoma and Associate Vice President of Enterprise & Workforce Development at Tacoma Community College, where he drove transformative initiatives in education, strategic partnerships, and operational effectiveness. His earlier roles at Xerox Corporation and Ericsson Information Systems highlight his success in marketing, sales, and corporate operations.
A passionate community advocate, Wayne has contributed to numerous local organizations, including serving on the boards of the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, Tacoma Public Library, and the Tacoma Urban League, where he was Board President. He has also chaired impactful programs such as the Elizabeth Wesley Youth Merit Incentive Program and the Black Collective's storytelling documentary projects.
Recognized with awards such as the Tacoma Urban League Empowerment Award and an honorary degree from Tacoma Community College, Wayne's commitment to equity, education, and leadership continues to inspire and drive meaningful change.
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William (Bill) Ryberg retired in June 2023 after working more than a decade with Tacoma Community College, where he served as Vice President for College Advancement and director of the TCC Foundation.
His non-profit leadership experience includes working in the symphony orchestra industry, having served as CEO of the Oregon Symphony, CEO of the Grand Rapids (MI) Symphony, and president of the Bellingham Festival of Music.
Prior to leading arts organizations, Bill worked in the financial services industry for 15 years including leadership roles with KeyBank.
He is a graduate of Western Washington University and holds a Master of Music degree from Indiana University.
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Mr. ‘JR’ Nobles, was named Executive Director of Friends Of The Children – Tacoma chapter in December 2019. Friends of the Children is a national nonprofit that pairs children facing the greatest obstacles with a professional mentor (called a Friend) for 12+ years. Friends—Tacoma is implementing an intentional Two-Generation (2Gen) approach, working with parents to build critical parenting skills that empower them to advocate for their child in school and strengthen bonds.
Prior to joining Friends—Tacoma, Nobles was the Director of the Tacoma/South Puget Sound MESA (Math, Engineering, Science, Achievement) program for seven years where he became a well-known voice in numerous arenas, including higher education, K-12 education, diversity, equity and inclusion, policy and advocacy, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
As a Tacoma native, Nobles is a product of Tacoma Public Schools and graduated from Wilson High School. He also received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Washington and a Master of Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University.
JR has supported the Elizabeth Wesley Program for over a decade and was the 1st recipient of the program’s special “Allegiance Award”, in appreciation for his outstanding and dedicated support.
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Archi Sharma is an experienced and results-driven leader with a proven track record of driving business growth through strategic decision-making, effective leadership, and team development. With over 15 years in financial services, Archi excels in coaching high-performing teams, building client relationships, and achieving organizational goals.
Her expertise includes business development, market analysis, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. Archi's leadership roles at KeyBank, U.S. Bank, Chase Bank, and now TAPCO Credit Union highlight her ability to foster collaboration, mentor teams, and deliver measurable community impact. With a background in Computer Science, she combines technical knowledge with strong interpersonal and financial skills to deliver success.
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Dominic Jay “DJ” Leon Guerrero Crisostomo is a dedicated Board Member with extensive experience in student success initiatives, program development, and community engagement. With a Master of Public Administration from The Evergreen State College and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Pacific Lutheran University, DJ has a strong foundation in equity-focused education and professional development.
Currently the Assistant Director for First-Generation Student Initiatives at the University of Washington Tacoma, DJ has a proven track record of developing innovative programs, securing funding, and fostering partnerships to support underrepresented populations. His leadership roles include Senior Director of Training and Northwest Partnerships for the Act Six Scholarship Program and National Director of Ready to Rise at Degrees of Change, where he expanded access to education and career pathways for diverse communities.
DJ’s civic involvement spans numerous advisory roles, mentorship programs, and equity initiatives, showcasing his commitment to empowering others. Recognized with multiple awards for outstanding service and campus impact, he blends expertise in curriculum design, leadership coaching, and strategic planning with a passion for fostering inclusion and success.
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Jennifer Wolbrecht is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience in strategic development, fundraising, and community engagement. A Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and a graduate of Luther College with a concentration in non-profit management, Jennifer excels in fostering meaningful relationships and driving impactful organizational growth.
Currently serving as Executive Director at Pierce College Foundation, Jennifer leads fundraising, marketing, and communications while overseeing strategic initiatives. Previously, as Foundation Executive Director at Pierce College, she spearheaded the creation of a student support hub and launched successful campaigns, including the Student Success Campaign.
Jennifer’s tenure at Metro Parks Tacoma showcased her expertise in resource development, where she implemented groundbreaking corporate sponsorship models, managed multimillion-dollar capital campaigns, and fostered strategic partnerships across diverse sectors.
A passionate advocate for her community, Jennifer serves on multiple boards, including The Barefoot Collective and Rotary Passport Club of Pierce County, and has held leadership roles with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Recognized as a thought leader, she has presented at national conferences on capital campaigns and unconventional fundraising strategies.
Jennifer's dedication to building community and empowering organizations continues to make a lasting impact in the non-profit sector.
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Are you passionate about literacy, learning, and making a difference? The Tacoma Public Library Foundation is looking for dedicated volunteers to help us champion the vital role of libraries in our community.
By joining our team, you’ll play a key role in:
Supporting programs that promote literacy and lifelong learning.
Assisting with exciting community events and fundraisers.
Helping us advocate for the library’s mission and services.
Building a stronger, more connected community through your efforts.