A $6,500 donation from the Friends of Ypsilanti District Library has closed out the Next Chapter Capital Campaign. This campaign helped fund the Ypsilanti District Library’s new Superior Library branch.
“It is thrilling that the goal has been reached and we delight in providing this pledge for our Superior Library,” Friends of YDL President Marcy Kinsey said in a written statement. “Thank you to everyone for supporting YDL libraries.”
The Friends are a volunteer organization that works to stimulate community interest in the library and help fund library programs, services, and facility work.
This capped a multi-year $2M fundraising effort for the new library building. This, in turn, had an instant impact on the community since it opened in November 2022.
Since its November 2022 opening, the library has had on average more than 2,800 visitors , 70 new library cards issued, around 4,000 items circulated, more than 300 people attending programs, over 100 people using the meeting rooms, and 250 people using the computers and 590 people accessing the wi-fi. In addition, the library served 1,170 lunches served from June 27 to August 4 during the summer’s Lunch, Listen & Learn program.
“At the prior, 1100 square foot space ... there were no meeting rooms, we were unable to hold the summer lunch programs, and we could only do small programs inside or large ones outside when the weather cooperated,” Superior Branch Manager Mary Garboden said in a written statement. “The new space has opened up so many more possibilities for community gathering, learning, and inspiration.”
The Next Chapter Capital Campaign began the “quiet” phase of fundraising in 2019. The Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation, the Young Family Foundation, the James W. and Marla J. Gousseff Fund, and Superior Township were among those who helped raise an initial $1.5M during that phase. In July 2021, following a COVID delay, the YDL began a crowdfunding campaign to raise $500,000 to reach the $2M fundraising goal. Since then, more than 473 donors contributed to the campaign, with over 40% giving more than once.
“I'm continually touched by the sheer number of people who contributed to make this library a reality,” Garboden said. “The donor screen [in the lobby] is full of names of long-time library users, friends, neighbors, and family. It's like a virtual pat on the back every time I see [them]!”
Along with a strong showing of support from longtime YDL supporters, the campaign successfully welcomed 300 new donors.
“The need for a new library and community space in Superior was recognized by a broad group of individuals and organizations who not only understood the need for services in this area of Washtenaw County, but were ready to act and make the much-needed space a reality,” Library Director Lisa Hoenig said in a written statement.
When COVID-19 hit, the need was only heightened, and the community rose to the occasion to bring resources together to enact positive change.
YDL had dreamed of opening a new branch in Superior Township for more than a decade. Plans began in earnest in 2018 with voters passing a new YDL operating millage. Groundbreaking took place in April 2021, for the new 7,800 square foot space on Harris Road to replace the tiny facility on MacArthur Boulevard that had served as the library’s “temporary” space since 2007.
Since its grand opening in November 2022, the new branch has become a central hub of activity for nearby residents. Patrons have embraced the services and programs that the library offers, including meeting spaces, storytimes, and 24/7 wi-fi access. As hoped, it has become a point of pride for the neighborhood, and is building community through shared activities and programs.
To learn more about the Friends of YDL group, and to get involved, visit their website.
