By Marjorie Stoneman
Photos courtesy of Zachary Popke
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library kicked off an extraordinary fundraising campaign on Saturday, May 6 with a luncheon celebrating the library’s “100 Extraordinary Women” effort to raise funds for library renovations.
More than 80 women were in attendance to celebrate a hugely successful campaign that grew to 129 extraordinary women, surpassing the goal of $100,000 by $50,000. Each of the 129 Extraordinary Women gave at least $1,000, which could be pledged over five years. The funds used from that portion of the fundraising campaign will be used to create a beautiful outdoor space with seating areas, WIFI, solar lights and other amenities.
Mary Mawhinney, of Milton, was one of the extraordinary women who knows how important libraries are in the lives of children and adults. Her daughter-in-law Kat Mawhinney agreed, “The library is the hub of the community.”
Kelly Davis, Co-Chair of the Whitewater Library’s 100 Extraordinary Women Effort, said, “I am thrilled at the support our community has for our library. With these renovations, even more people of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy reading and learning in a beautiful setting.”
The campaign is one part of the overall campaign to raise $2,250,000, which has already reached $1,800,000 with $450,000 still needed.
Stacey Lunsford, director of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, has been with the library for 21 years, and is thrilled to be able to focus on the top three areas that community members said were needed in library renovations.
First, the library will be expanding early learning areas, including play centers and places for children to gather. Second, survey results show that people want space to be together and learn from each other, whether it be book groups, study groups, etc. Library planners have listened and will be providing larger meeting rooms with collapsible walls. Third, the community has asked for a larger Makerspace area, which will accommodate a 3-D printer, a sewing machine, a laser dye cut machine, and more. In addition, the youth area will be expanded to give youth more study space. There will be additional accessibility to materials and the opportunity for community residents to learn the latest technology, among other valuable skills.
Lunsford said, “We are thrilled to report that our donations are at $1.8 million for the renovations. We still need to raise $450,000, and we are optimistic that our community will attain this goal.”
Donations can be made to the Whitewater Community Foundation, Attn: Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, P.O. Box 428, Whitewater WI 53190
Stacey Lunsford welcomes questions and can be reached at: 262-473-0530.
She adds, “We also welcome other extraordinary women to join us by contributing to the 100 Extraordinary Women Campaign.”
Library supporters thanked First Citizens State Bank for sponsoring the luncheon to celebrate the successful campaign of “100 Extraordinary Women.”
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, 431 West Center Street, is free and open to the community Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (closed Sunday.)
The mission of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is: We will have the space and the stuff to do the things that you want. Library values include: safe and welcoming; trust; diversity; fun; lifelong learning and creativity; making connections; and service excellence.
