Stayner Library ramps up fundraising campaign

With construction well underway at the new Stayner branch of Clearview Public Library there is a renewed push for community fundraising.
Clearview Library Fundraising Team chair Bob Charlton said the library has committed to raising $250,000 toward the building costs.
Thanks to larger corporate donations, they are nearing the $100,000 mark, but they are just now launching a call for contributions from the community at large.
Clearview residents are encouraged to watch for a letter arriving soon to their mailboxes.
“It is not always easy to find something you can support that will have a lasting effect on your community, but this project is exactly that,” writes Charlton. “Not only will it benefit your family, friends and neighbours immediately, it will provide a positive legacy for generations to come.”
The committee has created various donation levels and opportunities for recognition.
Any donation over $20 is eligible for a tax receipt and any donation over $100 will be recognized with some sort of name recognition. For example, $100 donations will result in the donor’s name being inscribed on a book shelf. There are also opportunities to have an individual’s or family names on a bookplate inside a book, perhaps as an in memoriam.
There are several $1,000 level donations for furniture in meeting rooms or in the lounge and all the way up to $5,000 for tables, $10,000 for the coffee bar and $25,000 to sponsor the children’s area. Donations of $2,500 or more will earn people a spot on the Wall of Honour.
Donors are encouraged to speak to officials to discuss where their money should be directed and the manner of recognition.
The hope is that the new library items will bear the names of individuals, families, community groups and businesses when the doors open.
The opening has been delayed due to problems with the builder, Bondfield. The company has had delays with many of its projects, not just the Stayner library, and many of which are quite high profile.
Charlton said the new branch, which is being built adjacent to the Stayner arena, will have a lounge with a fireplace, a community living room with a coffee bar, a designated area for children and teens, and a computer bar with places for people to pug in and access the wifi. Two small rooms are being added, providing a place to study, tutoring or to have private meetings with social services workers, something that happens regularly at the library.
There will also be unisex washrooms and a family washroom, accessible from the adjacent hallway, handy for library programming and other events happening in the arena hall, which is being renovated by the township.
Charlton said the intention is to use the hall for a special library fundraising event during Small Halls Festival on Oct. 5. It will coincide with a draw for a queen size quilt made and donated by the Stayner Stitchers, another fundraiser for the library project. Tickets will be on sale very soon at library branches and at various events, including Clearview Days.
There are many ways to donate. Visit any branch of the Clearview Public Library or call 705-428-3595.