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What is happening with the Belmont library? The existing library, 5600 square feet (the smallest per-capita library in the County) and built in 1960, is being torn down to make way for a new, state-of-the-art 20,040 square foot library. The new building is being paid for by a bond measure passed by the voters in 2001. How much are you seeking to raise? The total commitment from the community through the efforts of your friends and neighbors who comprise FONBL is $350,000. The bond was passed for the new library. Why are you asking for more money? The bond is the "bricks and mortar" money, and for future ongoing maintenance of the new facility. The additional funds being requested through this effort is to pay for computers, expanded book and periodical collections, enhanced Homework Center, new children's books and videos, improved circulation technology, and interior upgrades. Remember, the new library will be over three times the size of the old, so three times as many books and other items for the collections will be needed. Are other funds being sought to help? Yes! In addition to the $350,000 for this current effort, a generous grant of $300,000 was received from Oracle Corporation, which has enabled us to increase the size of the library by 2,000 square feet. Monies from other sources are being sought as well. If I can only make a small contribution, how is that going to help? Every dollar counts! Your contribution, however small, is greatly appreciated, and will be put to good use for this very important community project, one that will be a source of pride for Belmont for many years to come. Contributions can be made as an individual, as a group (consider a family contribution), in honor of, or as a memorial to someone special. Your contribution is tax deductible. I'd like to help, but can't commit to a large sum at this time. That's OK, because we can take pledges. The library won't be completed until Spring of 2006. You can pledge something now, and we can set up installment payments for you. Pledging now will enable us to include interior upgrades in the library plans as they are prepared for the bidding process. Please contact Joan Peceimer at (650) 593-9514 for information about how this works. Are there other ways to pay besides writing a check or giving cash? Yes! You can use VISA or Mastercard. Again, contact Joan at (650) 593-9514 to exercise this option, or use the fundraising brochure to provide your credit card information. What is the construction timeline? Demolition and site work will take place in the fall of 2004. The bid process for the new building will be late fall of 2004, with construction to begin in early 2005. Construction is scheduled to be completed by Spring of 2006. What happens to the existing collection when the library is torn down? The collection has been deployed to nearby libraries and will be recalled when the new library is ready to open. Where do I go for library services in the meantime? What if I still have a book on loan from Belmont after the library is torn down? Any one of the libraries in the SM County system can accept books currently on loan. Neighboring libraries available for your use are the San Carlos Library at 610 Elm Street, and there are several libraries in San Mateo, including the recently reopened branch on Hillsdale Boulevard. What about the staff? Is anyone going to lose their job? No one will be laid off! The staff has been shifted to other branches within the system. Remember that neighboring libraries like San Carlos will see an increase in circulation because of Belmont's library being closed, so they will need the additional staff. The branch manager will maintain a presence in the community - and is assisting with this fundraising effort - so she can make the transition easily when the brand-new library opens. Will there be recognition of donors? Public recognition is planned for ALL donors, and the names of those contributing $1,000 or more will be placed on a donor wall in the new library. I'd like more information on the new library, and this fundraising effort. Where can I find that? How can I volunteer to help? Please visit the new library, donation and volunteer pages of this website or call Joan at (650) 593-9514. There are lots of ways to help, and everyone is invited to participate. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Some existing library programs are continuing elsewhere in the community. For more information, please click here to visit the Belmont library's web site, or call the library's information line at (650) 591-8286. Updates are also available on the Events and Programs page of this website. If you would like to send a check for this fundraising effort, please address it to "Friends of Belmont Library, P.O. Box 826, Belmont, CA 94002" Be sure to indicate "New Library Fund". Remember, your contribution is tax deductible.
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Page last updated 15 September 2004
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