Contact: Jennifer Collins, Executive Director
jcollins@mplfoundation.org
Office: 608.266.6318
Cell: 917.838.9233
The John E. Wall Family and their Madison-based company DEMCO, Inc. have come through in a big way for the new Central Library, helping boost its Learning for a Lifetime campaign over the $6 million mark. Donors to foundation capital campaigns in the past, this combination cash and in-kind pledge is their largest gift to date.
DEMCO, a Madison-based company and major library supply company for over 100 years, will provide furniture, specialty shelving, book trucks, laptop charging stations, and interactive TouchIT LCD monitors for the new library.
“It’s a great statement of support from the Madison business community for the Wall Family and DEMCO to step up in this way,” said Jenni Collins, Executive Director of the Madison Public Library Foundation. Collectively, Madison-area businesses have contributed over $950,000 to the campaign.
“Libraries are and will continue to be an integral part of every community, providing information and a place to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together in pursuit of learning,” said Bill Stroner, CEO of the Wall Family Enterprise and DEMCO, Inc. “We are pleased to join so many from our community in support of the Madison Public Library.”
In addition to businesses, over 560 individuals have contributed a total of more than $3.5 million. Recently, a $250,000 pledge from local philanthropists Lau and Bea Christensen gave the campaign a boost.
The Christensen’s said they are pleased to be able to make a significant contribution to the new library, which they believe “will be a wonderful resource for all in our community.”
In addition to business and individual gifts, foundations and other charitable organizations have contributed over $1.4 million. Most recently, a $25,000 donation from the Kelly Family Foundation helped tip the scale to over $6 million raised.
“We are so enthusiastic about our progress,” said Collins. “The community’s hope for a bigger, brighter, 21st century library in downtown Madison is becoming a reality.”
Construction on the new Central Library began on March 19th and is scheduled to finish summer of 2013. To learn more or make a donation to the campaign, visit http://www.mplfoundation.org.
About Madison Public Library Foundation
The Madison Public Library Foundation promotes and supports Madison’s library facilities, services and programs. Established in 1993, the foundation provides annual project grants, raises funds for capital projects, and promotes awareness of the libraries and their programs. Learn how to support your libraries at http://www.mplfoundation.org.
