Dear Friends & Supporters:
We hope this finds you safe, healthy and finding moments to enjoy the splendor of a beautiful Northern Michigan summer.
Over the past few months, the Library Board and Capital Campaign Committee have been considering the best course of action for the Capital Campaign during these unprecedented times. The uncertainty of the pandemic, the critical needs of the community, and safety matters at the Library have taken precedent over fundraising for the expansion and restoration. After careful consideration of our priorities and safety of our community, we will be going forward for the remainder of the year with a less visible Campaign but nonetheless definitely going forward!
Last week during a special meeting of the Library Board, members passed a resolution stating the Board’s commitment to continuing the Capital Campaign while also seeking out a new Campaign Chair. Karen Simpson remains with the committee as interim chair and will continue to answer your questions, run virtual events and input, and take care of the day-to-day operations.
We have some exciting news and a lot to look forward to this summer. Partnering with Short’s Brewing, we are pleased to announce an opportunity to support the Capital Campaign this summer while enjoying one of their most popular beers. Beginning Saturday, July 4
th
through October at the Elk Rapids Pull Barn, $1 from the purchase of each and every Local’s Light beer will be donated to the Library Campaign! We give thanks to Joe and Leah Short and the whole team for their support and generosity and to help keep attention on the Library Campaign over the coming months.
To better understand the impact of the pandemic on the Library’s Capital Campaign and to develop a plan for the best way forward, we would like to hear your views about charitable giving and fundraising events during this challenging time. We will be sending you a short survey soon and we will greatly appreciate your honest opinion.
There will be many other ways to engage this summer, including virtual events and focus groups with committee members. If you have some ideas or wish to be involved in the campaign this summer, please contact Karen at
krn.simpson58@gmail.com
.
As always, thank you for your support of the Elk Rapids Library and the Capital Campaign. We remain deeply committed to our vision, mission, and role as heart of the community. Your support is an investment in the future of Elk Rapids. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Warm regards,
Barb Johnson
President, Elk Rapids District Library Board of Trustees
M: (231) 409-0815