Friends of Santa Cruz Libraries Raise $1 Million for Improvements

COMMUNITY NEWS

Friends of Santa Cruz Libraries Raise $1 Million for Improvements

On Jan. 26, library advocates and community volunteers announced the success of their ambitious 2021 campaign: Raising $1 million to support improvements at three branches: Aptos, Branciforte and Garfield Park.

The campaign was launched in April 2021 by Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, a local organization that has worked for 45 years to support the 10-branch library system with advocacy, volunteers and fundraising.

With the theme of “Realizing the Promise,” the group aimed to augment the Measure S library bonds and fully fund improvements to make the three branches inviting and flexible: $470,000 for Aptos, $320,000 for Branciforte and $210,000 for Garfield Park.

Tricia Wynne, chair of the Aptos Library committee, “We were absolutely amazed and gratified at the response of our community. They love their library, and really want this project to happen.” Martha Dexter, chair of Santa Cruz committee for the Branciforte and Garfield Park branches, added, “We were especially touched at the response for tribute and memorial gifts from donors who want to honor someone very important to them personally or to the community.” Privately-raised funds similarly supported improvements already completed at branches in Felton, La Selva Beach and Capitola. The Branciforte and Garfield Park branches in Santa Cruz are being extensively renovated and modernized. The Aptos branch is scheduled for complete replacement with an all-new larger branch. All three branches will feature improved community space, access for those with disabilities, energy efficiency, upgraded technology, teen and children’s spaces, and flexibility for programming. Friends’ chair Janis O’Driscoll said, “Thanks to the Newly-named Library Director Yolande Wilburn (left) Supervisor Ryan generosity of over 500 donors, Coonerty (speaking) and County Supervisor Zach Friend (far right). we have actually exceeded

Celebrating with the thermometer (from left): Cynthia Mathews, campaign volunteer, Library Director Yolande Wilburn, Friends of Santa Cruz Public Libraries chair Janis O’Driscoll, and Library Advisory Committee vice chair Rena Dubin.

our goal, raising a total of $1,032,500! This is a demonstration of how much our community values our local libraries, and wants to invest in their continued improvement to meet current and future needs.”

Newly-named Library Director Yolande Wilburn emphasized the essential role of community support for modern libraries to responding to evolving needs. “We serve an amazing variety of patrons, from beginning readers to seniors, teens, working adults, diverse populations and communities,” she said. “We’ve seen how our new and renovated libraries have been embraced by local residents, with increased use of all programs.” n ••• To learn more, visit fscpl.org.

Community Foundation Grants Deadline: March 8

Community Foundation Santa Cruz County has had the privilege of stewarding charitable gifts from generous locals who want to see their community thrive. During 2021, its 40th anniversary year, together with donors, the foundation celebrated the awarding — since 1982 — of $183 million.

The annual Community Grants cycle, which opened Feb. 8 for all Santa Cruz County-serving nonprofits, closes on March 8. Grant decision notifications will be sent April 29. There will be an online information session on Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. More information about Community Grants and the webinar is at www.cfscc.org/ grants.

In 2022, foundation leaders expect to fund $1.5 million from endowed funds that have been given by forward-thinking donors over four decades. The majority of these funds are restricted to children, youth, and seniors and are focused on education, end-of-life care, youth development, historic preservation, and human services.

Dedicated funding for the arts, environment, and other interest areas is more limited.

Foundation leaders will continue to prioritize support for organizations serving those disproportionately affected by the pandemic, including immigrants who may be ineligible for other support programs, seniors, youth, and families suffering ongoing economic, educational, and health impacts.

“Since 2020, we’ve seen the flexibility, commitment, and incredible capacity of our nonprofit partners to respond to evolving needs and increased demand for services,” said Kevin Heuer, director of engagement and impact, who oversees the Foundation’s grant-making program. “As the impact of the pandemic and fire recovery wears on, we continue to offer flexible grants so nonprofit partners can apply funds where they’re most needed.” n