It all began with generous giving from C. Walter and Gerda B. Mortenson in 1986. The couple envisioned a program for the promotion of international education, understanding, and peace through library programs. Their $2 million gift created the Mortenson Distinguished Professorship for International Library Programs at Illinois. It was the first named academic position of its kind in the United States. An additional $2 million gift from the couple in 1991 expanded the activities of the professorship through a variety of unique programs with the creation of the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs. The Mortenson Center and the professorship seek to strengthen international ties among libraries and librarians—regardless of geographic location or access to technology.
The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs has thrived in large part to external support. Realizing the importance of outside giving and its significant impact, Library Friends Bob and Kay Merrick agreed to match every single dollar given to the Center through 2016 — up to $25,000. The match was surpassed by the generosity of many of you, supporters of the Center.
Bob and Kaye have supported the Center through funding visiting librarians from other countries through the Associates Program. Their travels and international experiences have confirmed the value of the Center’s activities and especially the training programs for visiting librarians. They feel that this is a model for “citizen diplomacy.”
As we move into our next 25 years, we continue to need your support. Please make a gift on our online form.
University Library Celebration
A Celebration in the Field
A Celebration with our Associates and Partners
An International Celebration
Our Main 25th Anniversary Program and Celebration on October 14, 2016 at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center (601 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL 61801)
Ann Mortan
Since 1991 more than 1,300 library leaders from over 90 countries have been trained at the Mortenson Center for International Library Programs – the only one of its kind in the world.
The Center has raised $2.5 million in grant funds from multiple agencies.
According to the 2013 Arabella Advisors’ independent evaluation of the Center’s past five years of programs:
The Mortenson Center for International Library Programs has been shaped by its dynamic leadership, impacting the development of librarians and libraries in all corners of the world. From Albania to Zimbabwe, each Center leader has worked with a wide array of countries, infusing the Center with her expertise, strengthening and shaping its work and direction.
“The influence of the Mortenson Center and CABCE [Center for updating librarians in Central America], as a means for growth and better services in libraries in Central America, is one of the most remarkable merits….All Central American libraries and librarians wish to acknowledge the vision and charisma of the Mortenson Center and its leaders in seeking and providing a better future for their countries.”
– Dr. Ana Cecilia Torres , Past Director, School of Library and Information Science, University of Costa Rica
