Major Gifts Give Boost to ReNew Brentwood Branch Campaign
August 4, 2014 —
The capital campaign to renovate the Brentwood Branch Library is halfway to its $2.5 million goal, thanks to five new, major gifts by private individuals and foundations since December 2013.
The ReNew Brentwood campaign, led by The Library Foundation of the Springfield-Greene County Library District, has received $142,200 in major gifts and pledges since December. Many other individuals and library district staff members have also donated to the campaign since the “leadership phase” began in August 2013.
The campaign so far has raised $1,245,862.36. The Foundation Steering Committee plans to launch a formal public campaign once it raises 75 percent of the goal in gifts and pledges, said Foundation Director Valerie Richardson.
“We are very grateful to all our donors who have helped us reach the halfway mark of this crucial campaign,” Richardson said. “The Brentwood Branch continues to be a place that changes people’s lives every day. I think everyone will be delighted with our plans to bring this facility up to 21st century expectations."
The O’Reilly-Wooten Family Foundation has donated $100,000 toward the project. “We are happy to be able to support this important project,” said Charlie O’Reilly, trustee of the Charles H. O’Reilly Sr. Trust.
The BKD Foundation, the charitable arm of BKD CPAs & Advisors, also made a $10,000 gift toward the campaign.
Another $14,000 gift came from the Russel E. Benway Trust, in memory of Russel E. Benway and in honor of Library patron Barbara Benway.
The Darr Family Foundation made a grant of $5,000, and the Mueller Family Foundation made a gift of $3,200 toward ReNew Brentwood.
In addition to the five major gifts, the Friends of the Library continue to pay towards its three-year, $300,000 pledge made in 2013 with proceeds from its spring and fall book sales.
The ReNew Brentwood plans call for preserving the neighborhood library atmosphere while updating the 1971 structure to provide new technology and conveniences. Dake Wells Architecture has designed a drive-up window, expanded parking, more meeting rooms, an energy-efficient HVAC system, distinct children’s and teens’ departments and dedicated public computer room.
The Library is committed to seeking LEED certification on the project. LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a credentialing system used by the U.S. Green Building Council that verifies a project meets certain criteria for conserving energy and water consumption, improving indoor air quality and constructing environmentally friendly, cost-saving buildings.
A project timeline has not been set.