City of Modesto Contribution Gives Big Boost to Library Fundraising Campaign
By Patty Guerra
The Friends of the Modesto Library took a big leap forward in its $3 million fundraising campaign when the Modesto City Council approved a $500,000 contribution to the project.
With that money, the Friends have raised a total of $2.44 million for the Lifelong Legacy campaign, which is aimed at paying for enhancements to a publicly funded renovation project, including upgraded furnishings and fixtures and the installation of audio-visual improvements to support programming and public service in multiple spaces.
State and local public funding, including $4 million from Stanislaus County, will pay for the $24 million renovation. That includes asbestos abatement; ADA corrections in the Children’s Story Time Room and public restrooms; ceiling tile replacement and LED lighting upgrade; improvements to the HVAC system and elevator; security camera installation; upgraded IT wiring; and updated furnishings, fixtures (carpet, paint), and equipment. A $36,000 federal grant will go toward upgraded wiring.
Modesto’s contribution came from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, which were aimed at helping the economy recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. All told, Modesto received $45.9 million from the ARPA program.
Staff had initially proposed putting $200,000 toward the Lifelong Legacy campaign, but the council voted unanimously in June to raise that number after some other projects were removed from the list. The library wasn’t the only downtown-area project to receive ARPA money from the council: members also voted to give $350,000 to the Graffiti Museum.
According to The Modesto Bee, Councilman Chris Ricci pointed out during a budget workshop that though the county owns and operates the library, it is an “important piece of downtown.”
Councilman Jeremiah Williams added that the library is key in improving literacy rates.
The Modesto site is the biggest in the library’s 14-branch system. In the fiscal year 2022-23, the Modesto Library had 221,000 visitors, who checked out 460,000 books and materials. The library also connected people to essential services and resources, such as Wi-Fi, for those unable to access it at home, helping them create resumes and look for employment. In that same year, 18,525 computer sessions were held.
The library also hosts workshops, story times, and events for individuals and families. With the Capital Campaign, supporters hope to make the facility an even more welcoming environment, with a reimagined area for young children, upgrades to the McHenry Room auditorium, and even a gallery featuring the works of local artists.
