To the editor,

Recently, Myron Medcalf wrote in the Minnesota Star Tribune (May 14 issue), quoting Karen Fisher, professor at the Information School, Washington University, that “Public Libraries are the safety nets in communities. Everyone is welcome. But there is a stereotype that libraries are just about books. Actually, they are about much more. They run the full gamut. They help elders. They help people who are new to the country, who are looking for a job. People who are dealing with addiction. Believe it or not, tourists go to the library to get free access to computers where they can learn all kinds of information. Libraries are the pillars of the community."

She could have been describing the River Falls Public Library, now engaged in the Renew and Inspire Capital campaign, an effort to raise 7.5 million. Four million of that amount has already been raised, but that is not sufficient to cover all the costs of modernizing the library. The additional $3.5 million will elevate the RFPL from an already very good library to a state-of-the-art facility.

$2.3 million will cover the cost of enhancing and renovating currently used spaces to create an up-to-date learning and innovative technology environment, now outdated. $1.2 million will enable investing in two strategic endowments: $200,000 in growing programs and events such as having Paul Douglas, Twin Cities weather expert, speak. One million will help us to pay for an operational endowment. the useable income from which will pay for ongoing improvements.

The campaign is led by Tom Westerhaus and Steve Schroeder plus a large volunteer committee, and will be completed this year, the renovation by 2026.

The campaign is conducted under the auspices of the Library Foundation Board of Directors, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit. Gifts are deductible as prescribed by law. For more information call 715-425-0905, or email Tanya Misselt, Library Director, tmisselt@riverfallslibrary.org.

Don Richards

Campaign volunteer

River Falls