What is the Jack Russell Memorial Library?
The Jack Russell Memorial Library is the new name for the Hartford Public Library and the new facility that will be constructed by the Mill Pond.
What is the purpose of the Jack Russell Memorial Library "Your Library...Your Doorway to Discovery!" Capital Campaign?
The purpose of the Jack Russell Memorial Library will be to provide and promote the ongoing quest for knowledge by creating a doorway to discovery. Additional space in the new facility will not only provide all departments with the space to properly display books and materials, but will create opportunities for interactive programming for everyone from toddlers to seniors. This allows the library to fulfill its vision of becoming a destination where people will find the resources to assist them in enlightening their lives, and creating a more vibrant community.
Why is this project necessary?
The Library has run out of space. The Library's collection of books far exceeds the space available to properly display them. Space for programming, staffing, new technologies and research is not sufficient for the library to function at today's library standards. The Needs Assessment verified that the 14,500 square feet of existing space was far short of the 25,000 square feet needed to adequately house the current collection of materials offered by the Library today.
What are additional reasons the Library needs more space?
The growth of Library services has increased significantly for the Library in its current 1985-form:
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Circulation of books and other materials - doubled to 170,724
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Library's service area - increased to over 23,000 people from 7,500
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Library card holders - jumped to 20,560 from 3,134
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Meeting and program space insufficient - activities frequently moved offsite
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Interlibrary Loan requests - significant activity - 23,224 outgoing and 20,626 incoming items
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Books and Audio-Visual van shipments - over 90,000 items processed
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Computer use - volume to double from 6,482 people in 2000 to 13,000 by 2010
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Accessibility - elevator and stairs less accommodating for second floor location
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Parking - insufficient availability especially with other City activities
What is the cost of this project?
The cost is projected to be $10 million. The Library has proposed providing $5 million with the City matching an additional $5 million through a public private partnership. The Library will provide its $5 million as follows: $2 million donation from Mrs. Geraldine Russell in memory of her husband Jack, $1 million from Library trust fund savings, and $2 million raised through this capital campaign.
What is the scope of this project?
The new facility will be a 35,000 square foot, two-story facility located on land already owned by the Library. It features a new configuration of interior spaces especially designed to meet the needs of each department, the public, the staff, and efficiencies that improve overall functions. The facility will have a "green design" accompanied by a philosophy that maximizes both interior and exterior space to create an environment conducive to attract people to use it. Parking and accessibility will be enhanced by adding over 100 parking spaces including multiple handicapped stalls.
What are some of the specific improvements that you will see in the new facility?
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New community room
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Consolidation of circulation, Interlibrary Loan, cataloging, and processing operations
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Expanded adult programming in cooperation with the Friends of the Library
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Expanded Hartford History Room
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Upgraded quiet reading area overlooking the Mill Pond
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Two or more small study rooms
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WI-FI capability and more Internet computer work stations throughout the facility
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A 24-hour drive-up materials return
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Customer service desks to all departments, making assistance accessible
Why should our communities support the Jack Russell Memorial Library Campaign?
The new Jack Russell Memorial Library will become what we have always wanted our Library to be - a hub of activity filled with vibrant inquisitive people. Our vision for the future does not limit this to simply the process of discovering new ideas on a personal basis, but includes gatherings of people who exchange ideas on different levels, creating, problem solving, and brainstorming for a variety of purposes. The diversity of the collections will grow to include new media in addition to books, broadening the appeal of the Library to younger people. The additional space and departments for various age groups and more dedicated programs will instill library usage as a habit to last a lifetime.
Who will solicit?
Volunteers from the Jack Russell Memorial Library service area will make personal calls to secure gifts and pledges. All solicitors will have made their own contributions before asking others to do so.
Who will be asked to contribute to the Jack Russell Memorial Library Campaign?
The Hartford Public Library Board was the first to be asked to support the campaign financially, along with Library Staff. The Library is seeking the area-wide support of industry, corporations, businesses, financial institutions, foundations, organizations, and Library supporters.
Are gifts tax deductible?
Yes. Per Wisconsin state statute 43.58(7)(b), the Hartford Public Library is a nonprofit government service agency able to accept tax deductible donations for the purpose of providing financial and material support to the Library. The state of Wisconsin and the federal government encourage voluntary support of nonprofit agencies through liberal deduction allowances. All gifts to the campaign are tax-deductible within the regulations of state and federal laws. All donations designated for the Jack Russell Memorial Library Campaign will be held in a segregated account under the guidance of the Hartford Area Foundation and will be applied only to costs associated with this project.
How will gifts to the campaign be recognized?
Donors will be recognized through publicity, publications, and designated giving opportunities. A list of donors will be published when the campaign is completed. Donors' names will also appear in press releases announcing the successful completion of the campaign. Although the Jack Russell Memorial Library encourages donors to accept public acknowledgment of their gifts, we will respect the wishes of those who choose to remain anonymous.
Why a three-to-five year pledge period?
The goal of $2 million is too high to be reached with out-of-pocket cash gifts. With a three-to-five year pledge period, donors will be able to maximize their generosity to the campaign. Donors can also benefit from income tax laws written to encourage gifts to nonprofit institutions like the Jack Russell Memorial Library over a multi-year period.
How much should I give?
Only you can answer that question. We ask that you consider the importance of the new facility to you and your family. With your generous support, the Library will be able to continue providing services for our community well into the future.
Are gifts other than cash accepted?
Yes. The campaign will accept gifts of stocks, bonds, insurance policies, real estate, personal property, livestock, works of art, or any item that can be converted to cash. MasterCard and Visa card payments are also accepted. In light of changes in tax law, donors are advised to consult their tax advisors in order to achieve the maximum tax benefits for their gifts.
When do pledge payments begin?
The Jack Russell Memorial Library appreciates donors beginning their pledge payments as soon as convenient for them; the exact date; however, is up to you. You may indicate your preference on the pledge card.
In the event of my death, is my pledge binding on my estate?
Your pledge to the Jack Russell Memorial Library "Your Library. . .Your Doorway to Discovery!" Capital Campaign is binding only if your personal representative elects it to be. Many donors consider creating a trust or making a bequest in their wills to fulfill their intentions toward the Library should something unforeseen occur.
To whom do I make my check payable?
Please make your check payable to the Jack Russell Memorial Library Campaign.
May I volunteer to help on this campaign?
By all means, we need and will appreciate your help. Please call Diane Hegy or Mike Gelhausen at 262-673-8244 to discuss how you can become involved. |
