Main Library receives $15 million anonymous donation

By Taylor-Lynn Capaldo
Collegian Staff
April 25, 2007

The Free Library of Philadelphia just got a little bit wealthier. Last Tuesday the library announced that it recently received an anonymous donation of $15 million toward the refurbishment of their central location on Logan Circle in Center City.

The library’s goal of $175 million has already earned contributions from private-sector donors such as the Annenberg Foundation ($5 million) and the William Penn Foundation ($4 million). However, these donations come with a challenge. For every dollar received from outside sources, the library must match one dollar of its own money.

T The newest donation of $15 million came from an anonymous benefactor who claimed “a desire to help expand the Central Library and revitalize the heart of the library system,” according to The Philadelphia Inquirer April 17.

The donation, challenge or not, comes as a big help. According to the Inquirer, the $15 million donation is the largest private gift the library has seen thus far in its campaign. In addition to private-sector donations, the library has already raised $70.3 million for the project, including $30 million from the city of Philadelphia and $9.5 million from the state to help push along efforts for a new and improved Central Library.

The project includes adding 160,000 square feet to the library and restoring the main lobby. Plans are also in the works to develop a new children’s library, an auditorium, a teen center and an Internet café with wireless Internet access. In addition, the funding will cover costs needed to renovate and restore the 1927 Beaux Arts Building, a construction project that includes roof work and a new main entrance to the lobby. Groundbreaking for the construction is set to take place sometime in 2008.

Moshe Safdie and Associates, Inc. have agreed on to take on the project, stating that they have a “passion for libraries.” The group has worked on famous libraries across the country and around the world, including Vancouver Library Square, the Salt Lake City Public Library and the Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem.

Currently in the lobby of the library is an exhibition based on the Central Library as it is now and as it will be in the future. According to the library’s Web site, the exhibition traces the history of the late 19th century and highlights the exciting new plans for its renovation and expansion. The exhibition includes original and early architectural drawings, a model of the proposed addition by Moshe Safdie, samples of carpet, glass, wood and other materials to be used in the new building and photographs and commentary on other Central Library projects that have been implemented throughout the years.

Also included in the exhibit is a “Memory Book” and a “Memory Box,” where visitors can share stories and reflect on the experiences and the impact the library has had in their lives. The exhibit will be on display for the upcoming year, providing ample time to schedule a visit.

The Philadelphia Inquirer stated that along with the anonymous donation, the benefactor stated that, “the renewed Central Library will be a center where all segments of the community come together to access information and exchange ideas in a dynamic environment.” With big plans in store for the future, The Free Library of Philadelphia can use all the help it can get. The Inquirer additionally proposed a prospective boost in funding that will hopefully increase tenfold over the next few months.

capaldot1@lasalle.edu