Library Foundation has raised $185,000 for new building

Warwick - Chris Lenhardt, president of the Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation, has announced that a $25,000 challenge gift from Donna Applegate and Jonah Mandelbaum, has been met: As of Aug. 21, 15 Warwick residents answered the challenge with gifts to the foundation’s capital campaign totaling $27,000. These contributions increase the library foundation’s overall efforts to $185,000. The Albert Wisner Public Library Foundation was established in October 2005 to raise private funds for the library. Funds raised in the capital campaign “Expanding Possibilities” will be used to supplement the $8.5 million bond approved by the Warwick voters on March 8. In addition to the foundation’s efforts, the library also has approximately $85,000 in gifts designated for the new building over the years, according to Library Director Rosemary Cooper. Work on the site is expected to begin this fall. The project will be ready for bid in early winter 2008, with a scheduled groundbreaking of Spring 2009. Applegate and Mandelbaum gave their gift at the foundation’s annual meeting on May 9. At the time Applegate said that she hoped that the challenge would “encourage others to contribute to the Foundation’s effort to make the new Albert Wisner Public Library an outstanding facility for the Warwick community.” Some of the features that will be funded incoude an expanded opening day collection including books, DVDs and audio books; additional computers and technology equipment; furnishings for the local history collection; interactive exhibits for adults and children; outdoor landscaping and reading gardens. The foundation is currently accepting gifts to the capital campaign. Naming opportunities are available at certain levels of giving. For information on how to participate in a challenge or other ways to make a contribution to Expanding Possibilities, contact Cooper or Kathleen Georgalas or at the library, 986-1047 ext. 5.