Did you hear the good news?
The renovation of the North Lake County Public Library began in April with the move of the library to temporary quarters at the United Methodist Church at 301 16th Ave. East. On May 1st Martel Construction began the deconstruction of the former space and all the librarians, Library Trustee Allen Bone, and Foundation president Connie Brownell had the opportunity to swing the sledgehammer and make the first holes in the walls. The excitement that morning was contagious as with each swing of the sledgehammer we realized that our dreams for an updated library were becoming a reality.
In early 2020, when the NLCL Foundation developed the fundraising plan for the “Next Chapter Campaign” we estimated, with information from the library’s former architect, that $2 million was a worthy goal to complete our plans for a renovated library within the footprint of the 33‐year‐old building. Our Foundation team learned how to tell the story of the infrastructure and technological requirements needed to become a library for the 21st century, and community organizations, businesses and individuals showed their support for this worthy project. Grants were also received from foundations throughout Montana and as of June 1, 2023, we are happy to announce that our pledges plus actual received donations total $1.97 million!
But where is the Finish Line?
We are thrilled that we have been able to nearly reach our $2 million goal. As we all know, the pandemic has affected the costs of materials and labor when it comes to construction. The current renovation costs put us approximately $250,000 short, which does not include the cost of furniture and shelving in the new space. So, the Next Chapter Campaign is still going strong and we need your help!
We have received two additional pledges totaling $135,000, but there’s a catch.
These donations are for matching funds. What does this mean?
Your $50 gift will become $100
Your $250 gift will become $500
Your $1,500 gift will become $3,000
Your $10,000 gift will become $20,000
We hope to raise $350,000 ‐ $400,000 before the end of this fall when renovations are set to be completed. Our community has shown such wonderful support for this project. Drive by the library building and see how much has been completed in just over a month! You can also watch the interior progress on the library’s website www.northlakecountylibrary.org.
Spread the word and help us turn this $135,000 into $270,000! Every donation
helps and we thank you so much for your support!
With your help, we can make it to the finish line!
Please use the Donation Form to print and to to mail your gift or visit the Foundation website for ways to direct your gift to this worthy community project:
North Lake County Library Foundation
P.O. Box 74 Polson, MT 59860
