RCU Foundation Announces $500K Gift to L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The RCU Foundation made a $500,000 gift to the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library dedicated to the renovation of the library. As a public/private partnership the newly remodeled library will foster local growth, promote early literacy and education, nurture lifelong learning, embrace the creative economy, and encourage outreach into the community. The modernized facility is focused on meeting the needs of Eau Claire residents and complements the ongoing enhancement of downtown Eau Claire.

“The renovation of L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is necessary to ensure success in fulfilling its mission of providing opportunities for lifelong learning to all members of the community for the next generation” said Bob Eierman, co-chair of the Story Builder Campaign “Royal Credit Union Foundation made a critical, early contribution to the project that provided momentum and demonstrated their long-standing commitment to supporting the development of the Eau Claire community. We are very grateful to RCU Foundation.”

The L.E. Phillips Memorial Library serves the community by providing the ever-changing resources citizens need in their daily lives. “Many libraries are much more than a place to get books” said John Sackett, President of the Royal Credit Union Foundation Board. “Libraries are a vital part of the community and enhance the quality of life for all. The Royal Credit Union Foundation is honored to support the LE Phillips Memorial Public Library with this gift that will positively impact generations to come.”

The Royal Credit Union Foundation Dabble Box in the renovated library will be a “do-it-yourself” multi-purpose programming space where community members of all ages can explore technology, arts, and crafts. The space will allow library patrons the opportunity to develop new technology skills, and advance career opportunities. The renovated library will open to the public later this month.

About RCU Foundation

The RCU Foundation (Foundation) was established in 2012 to support organizations and initiatives in communities where Royal Credit Union operates in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota.  The Foundation focuses on large-scale, capital projects that help build community and create the spaces where people come together. Focus areas include education, health, and the arts. The Foundation hosts the annual Rock the Riverfront-Charity Classic event in Eau Claire. Currently, it has awarded more than $7 million in grants. Contact foundation@rcu.org for more information.

About Royal Credit Union

Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 260,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood. Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. A complete list of Member eligibility requirements is available on the Royal Credit Union website. To learn more about Royal, visit rcu.org or call 800-341-9911.