GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library Foundation is restarting its campaign to raise the remaining $1.2 million necessary to build a new library.
Katherine Lee Cole, president of the Greenfield Public Library Foundation, said the foundation is working to have one-on-one discussions with “people who have the capacity to be leading donors in this campaign.”
“We made a commitment to raise $2 million from individuals, businesses and foundations through the foundation,” Cole wrote in a press release. “Over 35 percent was raised prior to the city-wide vote.”
Cole said the campaign has had “an unconventional launch” because of the Nov. 5 ballot question, which determined the fate of the $19.5 million allocation for the Greenfield Public Library. Since the question passed, the foundation is able to begin solid planning for the campaign.
“Given the strength of the campaign, it is encouraging that the general response was in favor of the library and hopefully will lead to a successful campaign overall,” Cole said. “We are consulting community leaders to get advice and direction about the best volunteer structure and people to lead the effort. The whole campaign will be handled almost exclusively by volunteers. We are developing a timeline and detailed communication plans.”
The $2 million being raised is to pay for the furniture and the equipment that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners grant does not cover. Anything inside the new library will be paid for by the money the foundation raises.
“The role of the foundation is raising the $2 million to offset the taxes and to lessen the burden of taxpayers,” said Joe Ruggeri, vice president of the foundation and a member of the Greenfield Public Library board of trustees. “Since the vote, people have been inspired by the support of the community. We’re hopeful.”
Ruggeri said the foundation has been receiving pledges and donations “almost on a daily basis.”
“The payment period for campaign gifts was always expected to run for several years. Most funds should be available starting in 2023 when the building should be close to completion,” Cole noted. “With continued support from the broader community, the foundation is confident of its ability to help make a state-of-the-art accessible new building for the Greenfield Public Library.”
To contact the foundation, email gplfoundation.info@gmail.com.
Reach Melina Bourdeau at 413-772-0261, ext. 263 or mbourdeau@recorder.com.