The Plainsboro Public Library has only just begun its “Leave a Legacy…Build a Library” fundraising campaign, and it’s over halfway to its minimum goal of $1.5 million. After the kick-off of the campaign, the total amount of donations is $708,”665, which does not include another $200,”000 pledged but not received.
The Plainsboro Public Library aims to have a new building at the Plainsboro Village Center. The building has been designed by BKSK Architects and is expected to cost approximately $10.5 million. Construction is expected to be started in July, 2007, and completed by 2009.
Among the largest donations are a $100,000 gift from Princeton University, $50,000 each from Firmenich and Nova Nordisk, $30,000 from Forestal Village, $25,000 each from the Patrinely Group and Henry K. Smith, $15,000 from First Constitution Bank, and $10,000 from CME. Significant contributions have also been made by Verizon, Gale Corporation, Saul Ewing and the Friends of Plainsboro Public Library. Land for the site was donated by Sharbell Inc., the Village Center developer.
The library has announced several naming opportunities. Dorothy Hanle purchased the rights to the cafe for $25,000 and has decided it will be called “The Bookmark Cafe.” The Fish Foundation will name the Science Center, for which the library was asking $250,000. and Greta Kiernen is underwriting the collection of New Jersey-themed books, or New Jerseyana, for $5,000. There are nine other special collections to be named at the $5,000 level.
The art gallery can be named for $250,000, as can the Community Health Education Center. A gift of $100,000 buys the rights to the Science Park, the community room/auditorium, the volunteer office, and the history room. A gift of $50,000 will name one of six individual study rooms or the Techtonic Rolling Ball Sculpture planned for the Library’s third floor.
For $25,000 a donor could choose the name of many locations for the installation of original artwork. Other naming opportunities include the four outdoor chess tables and seats and three indoor seating areas, at $10,000 each.
“This is very exciting,” said librarian Virginia “Jinny” Baeckler. “In January we’ll be starting our public fundraising campaign. Sometimes people get overwhelmed when they see these large numbers that are coming in, but we’ll be doing many things so people who aren’t wealthy can participate, too.”
According to library personnel, the current structure, which is one story and located in the Plainsboro Municipal complex, is designed to hold 60,000 volumes. It now houses 84,595 books, 1,678 videos, and 1,881 compact discs, plus miscellaneous periodicals, files, and media.
More information on the capital campaign can be found at www.lmxac.org
