Information released Wednesday by Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Director Stacey Lunsford states that the ongoing capital campaign initiated to raise funds to renovate the library and build an addition has nearly reached its goal of $2,250,000.

The total project is anticipated to cost approximately $6 million.

“We are only $93,000 from meeting our campaign goal and hope everyone in the community will help to get us over the top,” Jim Winship, campaign chairman, was quoted as saying in the release.

According to the release, funds raised through the capital campaign, combined with library reserves and proceeds from the sale of property, will match the a commitment made to the project by the Whitewater Common Council of $3 million.

“The ‘Bookometer’ in the library’s lobby will mark campaign progress until Oct. 30, when the campaign will officially close,” Jon Kachel, a member of the Campaign Planning Committee, said within the release. 

He encouraged those interested in making a contribution to the library’s project to do so before the projected closing date.

As stated in the release, The library’s renovation and building project will, upon its completion, offer 4,400 additional square feet of space where visitors to the library will be able to “connect, read, learn, create and feel welcome.”

Among proposed amenities, the renovated library will offer expanded early learning areas, including play centers, engaging teen and pre-teen spaces, upgraded technology, large and small meeting rooms, study and collaboration spaces, expanded areas of informal seating, and outdoor tables and places for the community to use the Internet when the library is not open, the release noted.

Plans for the improvements to the library have been in the planning stages by the Library Board and library staff “for several years,” the release stated. 

Those interested in becoming involved with the project may do so by purchasing a wall tile, the release continued.

“This final segment of the campaign is designed to include the entire Whitewater community,” the release read, adding that wall tiles cost between $250 and $500, and “special tiles for businesses” come at a cost of $1000 and include the company’s logo.

For more information about the campaign, wall tiles, and the overall project, visit the library’s website: https://whitewaterlibrary.org/, or contact Lunsford by phone: 262 473-0530.

An earlier story, outlining proposed renovations and improvements to the library, is here: https://whitewaterwise.com/lunsford-to-council-library-is-166000-away-from-2-25-million-fundraising-goal/.