Flint Public Library is kicking off the final phase of fundraising for its $30.6 million transformation project with a public campaign, “Transform Our Treasure,” according to a recently released press statement. The final $300,000 needs to be raised through this campaign.
The Friends of Flint Public Library have pledged $50,000 to the work, and are challenging the community to join them in supporting this project. Every gift will be recognized on a digital donor wall in the renovated Library. “One of the things that’s unique about the library is it’s the only building on the Cultural Center Campus that’s completely owned by the people of Flint,” says Kay Schwartz, Library Director. “There’s a lot of pride of ownership in this Library. For that reason, we’re excited to invite everyone to engage in this work, at whatever level makes sense for them. Every gift gets us closer to our goal.”
There will be something for everyone in the renovated Library. Significant changes include doubling the children’s learning space and the digital learning space. The renovated Library will also have 66 percent more space for local history and genealogy, 15 meeting rooms, and four classrooms. An additional 16,000 square feet of space will be available to the public, and the building will be more accessible for people with limited mobility.
The renovated building will also provide the attractive, flexible and adaptable space the library needs to engage more people in childhood literacy, digital learning, and community. Construction schedules were delayed for a few months by the initial wave of COVID-19, but the keys were officially handed over to Clark Construction on June 15, 2020. They began demolition immediately, and hope to complete the renovation by November 2021.
The building will re-open in early spring 2022, after the staff can move everything back in from the temporary Courtland Center location. We sincerely thank the community for its support thus far, and look forward to celebrating a fully-funded grand opening next spring!” says the library director.
How to donate
Online at YourNewFPL.org
Mail a check to 1026 E. Kearsley St. Flint MI 48503
About Flint Public Library:
The vision of FPL is to be Flint’s go-to place to learn for life. FPL encourages formal and informal learning for all ages, in all mediums, for all of life. For more information visit: www.fpl.info.
