Editor’s note: Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Director Stacey Lunsford has contacted Fort Atkinson Online stating that the cost of the total library project has been increased to $6 million “due to inflation.” 

By Kim McDarison 

A fundraising campaign to help raise money for improvements to the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, Whitewater, began with a kickoff event held Saturday, according to event organizers. 

The campaign, titled: “100 Extraordinary Women,”  began with a luncheon which was attended by approximately 80 women, according to information released by organizers, although fundraising efforts, thus far, have been supported by 129 women, each of whom have contributed at least $1,000, the release noted.  

Saturday’s luncheon, which also served as an opportunity to thank the women for their support, was sponsored by First Citizens State Bank, and held at the Community Engagement Center, Whitewater. 

Attendees were invited to wear a hat in honor of Kentucky Derby Day. The race, which is run by 3-year-old Thoroughbred horses, is in its 149th year, and also began Saturday, in Louisville, Ky.

According to the release, a goal set for the 100 women fundraising campaign was $100,000, which, the release reported, has, thus far been surpassed by contributions of $50,000. 

“The funds used from that portion of the fundraising campaign will be used to create a beautiful outdoor space with seating areas, WIFI, solar lights and other amenities,” the release stated. 

The 100 Extraordinary Women campaign is connected to a larger campaign to raise $2.25 million to fund renovations at the public library in Whitewater, the release added.  

According to campaign organizers, $1.8 million has been raised thus far. A campaign to raise $450,000 is still underway. 

As stated within the release and according to Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Director Stacey Lunsford, renovations planned for the library will focus on “the top three areas” that have been identified by community members as “needed.” 

They include an expansion of early learning areas, gathering spaces, and the library’s Makerspace area. 

Within the release, learning areas are described as spaces that will include play centers and areas where children can gather. Adult-focused gathering spaces will include areas where visitors to the library can learn from one-another. Plans include larger meeting rooms with collapsable walls.

A larger Makerspace will be able to accommodate such tools as a 3-D printer, sewing machine, and a laser dye cut machine, among others, the release stated. 

As outlined during a Whitewater Common Council meeting held in 2021, the full project proposal comes with a price tag of $5 million, with the city council approving, in December of 2021, a resolution stating its intent to contribute $3 million to the project, with the stipulation that the library board can obtain the remaining $2 million. 

Monies to fulfill the city’s contribution will be included in its 2024 budget, officials said in 2021. 

The full proposal includes a 7,000-square-foot addition to the library with renovations made to the existing building. 

An earlier story, outlining the library’s full $5 million expansion and renovation project, is here: https://fortatkinsononline.com/whitewater-city-commits-3-million-towards-5-million-library-renovation-project/. 

Those interested in learning more about fundraising campaigns underway to support the library, including joining the 100 Extraordinary Women group, can contact Lunsford by phone: 262-473-0530.

Donations also can be made through the Whitewater Community Foundation. Donations should be directed to the attention of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, P.O. Box 428, Whitewater WI 53190. 

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 West Center St., is free and open to the public Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The facility is closed on Sundays.