Library Campaign Receives Anonymous Million Dollar Donation

SAN MARINO, CA- September 14, 2004--The Campaign for a new San Marino Public Library has received a $1 million gift from an anonymous donor, it was announced by San Marino Mayor Robert Twist. This recent donation puts the Campaign at nearly 60% of its $5.5 million goal to build a new library facility for the city. “I’m thrilled and delighted that the library campaign has received this generous gift,” said Twist. “I truly hope this will inspire all of us to join the capital campaign and make the new library a reality.”

City Librarian Carolyn Crain said, “I am tremendously excited that the Campaign has received this most generous gift. It acknowledges the value of the public library to the community and supports our goal to build a new library facility. A new San Marino Public Library will allow the library staff and I to fulfill the many dreams and wishes for improved library services in the community.”

Built in 1951 to hold 60,000 volumes, the 16,000 square foot San Marino Public Library now contains over 90,000 books, audios, videos, CD’s, DVD’s and 16 public use computers. In spite of its aging infrastructure, the library supports four public schools, two local private schools and over 14,000 patrons.

The new library will have 50% more usable space for a Lifelong Learning Center, a computer lab, more comfortable seating for readers, increased capacity for readers, a Children’s Reading Room and small meeting rooms for tutoring sessions, programs and workshops to meet a variety intercultural community needs.

For community members looking for more information, a volunteer-created website www.brandnewlibrary.org is available, or contact Cindy Chan at the library at (626) 300-0779.