East Lansing Library receives $1.5 million gift

A $1.5 million gift made by an anonymous donor will allow the East Lansing Library to undertake capital improvements that will help bring 21^st century technology to a mid-century modern building.
 
"We were elated when we heard about the gift," says Director of the East Lansing Public Library Kristin Shelley. "It's such a wonderful selfless gift to the entire community. It's truly humbling that the individual wants no recognition."
 
The library announced the gift in mid-April, and added that a capital campaign will follow to build on the tremendous contribution. The goal, says Shelley, is to raise an additional $1.6 to $2 million in matching community funds by May 2016 and renovate the entire library building.
 
Shelley says library renovations will begin in September to create a more open floor plan, group computers and other technology in a logical space, and provide more technology in places where it's needed. The recent gift will fund the first phase of capital improvements, with additional renovations dependent on the success of the capital campaign.
 
"Libraries are businesses driven by technology now," says Shelley. "We're not just about books, or about being within our four walls. It's important for us to keep up and become an even better resource for our community in the years to come."
 
The library selected the Lansing-based C2AE architecture firm to execute renovation work. The 25,800-square foot East Lansing Library at 950 Abbot Road was built in 1963 and underwent a renovation and moderate expansion 20 years ago in 1996.
 
"We want to preserve the mid-century character. It's important and lovely," says Shelley. "Our goal is to make this a beautiful building and place for the entire community to gather."
 
Source: Kristin Shelley, Director, East Lansing Public Library
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
    
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