About Us
The Geneva Library Foundation is a group of committed volunteers who believe in the value of Geneva Public Library and want to make a difference by devoting our time to supporting philanthropy. We aim to positively impact our community by raising funds and helping make it possible for everyone in our community to discover, inspire, and grow.
We meet the second Thursday of each month to set fundraising goals, plan events, and stay informed about the Library. We hope you'll consider joining us a fellow volunteer or donor!
Our Volunteers
Foundation President
Michael Longo
Michael Longo has lived in Geneva since 1994. He is a retired Engineering Director and holds a BSEE from the University of Michigan and a MS Comp Sci from DePaul University.
He became a member of the Foundation in 2006. His family enjoys the Geneva Public Library immensely and feels his support of the Foundation is one way he can give back to this wonderful institution and the community it serves. Mike enjoys working with families who wish to remember loved ones at the library through Memoriam Gifts.
Foundation Vice President
Peter Evans
Peter Evans grew up in Geneva, spending many days at the Library's former location on James Street. After earning a B.S. in business from Purdue University and a J.D. from Vanderbilt Law School, he and his wife, Maureen, decided Geneva was the perfect place to start a family. Their twin boys have since become a fixture at the Library, enjoying all the resources and programs it has to offer, especially First Fridays.
Peter joined the Foundation in 2014 and currently serves as its Vice President. Serving on the Foundation is an opportunity to give back to the Library after receiving so much over the years.
Foundation Secretary
Martha Paschke
Martha Paschke and her husband, Jeremy, have lived in Geneva since 2002. She has a background in education, women’s health, and mental health and is currently employed as the Director of Innovation and Strategy for the City of Aurora. Martha also serves as alderperson for Geneva’s 4th Ward.
She joined the Foundation in 2016, wanting to be a more active participant in her community. With so much time spent at the library over the years, giving back in this way has been a perfect fit.
Foundation Treasurer
Andy Wilson
Andy Wilson lives in Geneva with his wife, Kim, and son, Alex. Since moving to Geneva in 2003, Andy and his family have been active users and supporters of the Library and childhood literacy projects. Andy is a partner with a global accounting firm specializing in M&A. He graduated with a B.A. in History from Carleton College and holds a M.S. in Accounting from DePaul. Andy is especially excited about the continuing support the Foundation provides the Library to support community programming and additional improvements to the building.
Foundation Director
Alexa Schwab
Alexa Schwab has been a proud Geneva resident since 2006. She is a realtor with @properties, where she enjoys helping families discover all that Geneva has to offer, including its wonderful library. Previously, she spent several years writing about the Tri-Cities for the Chicago Tribune.
Alexa also serves on the city’s Strategic Planning Advisory Committee. She joined the Foundation in 2019 and is excited to give back to the library where she, her husband Jay, and her three children have spent so many happy hours. Alexa enjoys collaborating with her fellow directors to think of new ways to engage the community in supporting the library.
Foundation Director
Brannon Anderson
Working as a health literacy researcher for Northwestern University, Brannon Anderson is proud to contribute to the Geneva Public Library's impact on our community. Brannon and her husband Chris have lived in Geneva since 2008, where they've had the honor of restoring a historic home within walking distance of the library. The programs and activities offered by the Geneva Public Library were an intrinsic part of her daughter and son's childhood, inspiring them to fall in love with reading at an early age. Brannon enjoys helping with special projects and events and is grateful for the opportunity to play a small role in all that the library has to offer.
Foundation Director
Melissa Nielsen
Melissa Nielsen is a marketing and communications professional who works at a healthcare association. She spent a short stint in the tri-cities area after college as a reporter for The Daily Herald and has been excited to re-discover Geneva after moving to the area in 2021. Melissa has a lifelong passion for the importance of libraries, and it is a privilege to support the community and through service to the Foundation.