Foundation to Launch Pinney Library Capital Campaign on Giving Tuesday

posted November 24, 2015 – 1:41pm

Challenge Grant Offered; Harmony Bar to Host Kickoff Event

MADISON, Wis. (Tuesday, November 24, 2015) —Madison Public Library Foundation will take another step toward its vision of providing outstanding public libraries throughout Madison when it launches the $2.5 million Capital Campaign for a New Pinney Library on Giving Tuesday, December 1, with a day-long fund drive and a family friendly Kickoff Party at the Harmony Bar from 4–6 p.m.

Throughout the day on Giving Tuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving that’s dedicated to making charitable contributions in place of holiday shopping, the foundation invites the public to make a donation to the Pinney campaign so they can take advantage of a $50,000 challenge grant from Lau & Bea Christensen and Madison Gas & Electric Foundation. Donations will be matched dollar for dollar.

“We enthusiastically support the new Pinney Library, which will provide a huge boost to the entire east side of Madison,” Lau Christensen said of the facility, for which construction will begin in 2016 and be completed in 2017.

The new library will be a community hub housed in Ruedebusch Development & Construction’s Royster Corners, a mixed-use development four blocks east of the library’s current location. The $10.2 million facility will become the heart of the east side in the same way that Sequoya Library serves the west side.

“MGE Foundation is pleased to be able to contribute to this matching challenge to bring enhanced library services to east side neighborhoods,” said Gary J. Wolter, Chairman, President & CEO of Madison Gas and Electric Company.

Pinney, the third busiest of Madison’s public libraries, will be pedestrian-friendly and on the bus route, with plenty of bike racks and parking. It will be twice its current size, with improved spaces for youth, an outdoor event area, a drive-through book drop and better technology.

A growing number of residents near Pinney are underserved, and at several public schools within the library’s service area, more than 77 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch.

“We want tomorrow’s Pinney Library to meet the needs of visitors of all ages who have a passion for literacy, lifelong learning, creativity and the sharing of knowledge,” said Pinney campaign chair Allen Arntsen. “By kicking off this project, we’re investing in a better and brighter future for the east side.”

Donations may be made to the campaign at mplfoundation.org or mailed to the foundation office. The public may also support the library by attending foundation fundraisers, becoming a member of the Friends of the Pinney Library and volunteering. Visit mplfoundation.org/pinney to learn more about the project and to sign up for email updates.

About Madison Public Library Foundation: Madison Public Library Foundation promotes and supports Madison’s library facilities, services and programs. Established in 1993, the foundation provides annual project grants, raises funds for capital projects, and promotes awareness of the libraries and their programs. Learn how to support Madison’s libraries at mplfoundation.org, on the foundation’s Facebook page, and on Twitter (@mplfoundation). For information about Pinney Library, visit madisonpubliclibrary.org/pinney(link is external).