Representatives from the Wichita Public Foundation announced today that $8.8 million in gifts, pledges and in-kind services has been raised by the capital campaign to support the new Advanced Learning Library.
"A wide range of donors made this campaign a success," said Don Barry, Chairman of the Wichita Public Library Foundation Board of Directors. "Individual donors, businesses and foundations made gifts to this once-in-a-generation project."
The campaign funded a 10,000 square feet addition to the final design of the building as well as a "margin of excellence initiative" to ensure that technology, equipment and special amenities are being incoporated into the facility to provide an exceptional experience for all library visitors.
"Words cannot adequately express our gratitude to the donors of this campaign," said Mary Lynn Oliver, Honorary Campaign Chair. "Libraries build community, and the donors to this campaign are helping build an ever, stronger Wichita community."
Local support positioned the Foundation to secure out-of-county support for the campaign. "More than one million dollars was gifted by foundations and individuals from outside the Wichita metropolitan area" said Tom Borrego, President & CEO of the Wichita Public Library Foundation. "This could only happen because of the generosity and involvement of those in Wichita."
"The new building will enable us to do more in our work to ensure that our residents have equitable access to information," said Cynthia Berner, Director of Libraries for the City of Wichita. "Expanded public computing services will enable us to enhance digital access and literacy for everyone in our community. The building will also provide new opportunities for encouraging lifelong learning, supporting small businesses and job seekers, and promoting literacy."
"The Library Foundation serves to bring new resources the Wichita public library system and enhance its programs and services," said Barry. "Because of this campaign, generations of Wichitans will benefit from what Albert Einstein said was the most important address in any community – the public library!"
