Foundation History
Established in 1997 to promote the interests and welfare of the library, The Urbana Free Library Foundation is a non-profit organization managed by a volunteer board of directors. As its first priority, the Foundation planned for library expansion, working with library trustees and the City of Urbana. The new addition and the restoration of the original building doubled the overall size of the library. To help fund the project, the Foundation board launched a capital campaign that raised $2.5 million in private donations.
Planning for expansion
In partnership with the City of Urbana and the library board of trustees, The Urbana Free Library Foundation began planning for library expansion in 1997. To move the project forward, the Foundation board made the commitment to organize a capital campaign to raise $2 million in private donations. Enthusiastic community support resulted in donations of $2.5 million by the end of the campaign.
Community fund drive
Foundation board president Rupert Evans tapped library trustee Kermit Harden and his wife Ann to serve as volunteer co-chairs of the community fund drive. The Foundation's campaign office in Lincoln Square was opened in October 2000, employing Gerri Kirchner as campaign director. During the course of the campaign, over 100 community members volunteered to help the Foundation with the fundraising effort. By April 2001, donations to the campaign passed the $1 million mark. By October 2001, donations had reached $1.8 million, and Pulitzer-Prize winning film critic Roger Ebert came back to his hometown to host a fundraising benefit for what he fondly named "The Urbana Free and wonderful Library."
Reaching the goal
Library groundbreaking on October 20, 2002 celebrated our community's commitment to a shared vision for the library as we exceeded the $2 million fundraising goal. The completely renovated and expanded library was dedicated with great joy on May 1, 2005 . The Foundation remains committed to the promise that The Urbana Free Library will continue to inspire, educate, and nurture every generation of our community.
Wonderful community support
The $8.5 million library expansion was achieved without raising taxes and without incurring any debt. The Foundation is grateful to the many community leaders who were devoted to this endeavor and who are largely responsible for its success. Over 1,200 community members, businesses and organizations made gifts in support of library expansion.
