Group hopes to raise $3 million for Modesto library. What improvements are planned?
The next phase of a fundraising campaign for the Modesto Library is underway.
The Lifelong Legacy Capital Campaign has a goal of raising $3 million for furnishings and other enhancements at the downtown library, at 1500 I St.
Stanislaus County’s flagship library is planned for $18.1 million in county- and state-funded renovations that will close the facility for 18 months or more. Friends of the Modesto Library want the facility to reopen with additional improvements, including a reimagined early childhood space, new furniture, technology upgrades, upgrades to quiet reading rooms and the McHenry Room auditorium, an art gallery space and more.
The volunteer group is raising the extra $3 million for those special improvements.
“It is going to be an exciting, inviting, vibrant, inspirational place,” said Denise Nordell, president of Friends of the Modesto Library. “It will be an edifice that we as a community can be extremely proud of, reflecting how much we believe in literacy and education.”
Starting in January, Lynn Dickerson and Katy Menges led a fundraising committee seeking large donations and received commitments totaling $2 million toward the $3 million goal, Nordell said.
The public campaign for the raising the remaining $1 million from donors began this week. A fundraising team plans speaking engagements before community groups, in-house receptions and other public appearances.
Friends of the Modesto Library is offering donor recognition opportunities, and a donor book will be displayed in the library, Nordell said.
The county is planning the renovation and modernization project in 2025 and 2026. It will include an elevator retrofit, ceiling tile replacements, asbestos removal, wiring and lighting upgrades, heating and air-conditioning improvements, a redesigned main floor and improved access for the disabled.
The state is providing $9.97 million, which is matched by $4.1 million in library enhancement funds and $4 million in library fund balance. As part of a reallocation of pandemic relief money, Modesto plans to give $200,000 to the Friends of the Library effort to augment the county’s renovation project.
More information about the Lifelong Legacy Capital Campaign is at https://modestolibraryfriends.org/a-lifelong-legacy. People can contribute by clicking on the green “Donate Today” button.
