FUNDRAISING PAYS OFF for the East Cleveland Public Library

Ohio Libraries, Fall 2004 by Betts, MacKenzie

Poor economic conditions during the past few years have forced public libraries to look elsewhere for the financial resources to make essential capital improvements. The East Cleveland Public Library has set an example for public libraries that must turn to private donors and foundation grants to protect the quality of library services.

Since 2001, Director Gregory Reese has been involved in a comprehensive campaign to raise $3.7 million for a new library wing for the East Cleveland Public Library, which serves one of the most poverty stricken communities in the state of Ohio. "Typically, libraries are able to generate public funds from bond issues. The economic situation in East Cleveland, however, has not made that a viable option," said Reese.

The need for expansion was clearly visible to Reese and his staff who struggled to find space for new technology or additional shelving to meet the demands of increased library activity. The library had to make some significant improvements in order to continue serving its patrons successfully.

Reese relied on his relationships within the community to coordinate a campaign that prospective donors could not overlook. Highly respected architect Richard Fleischman agreed to design preliminary expansion plans with payment dependent on funding. With the necessary materials in place, Reese sent a letter to the leaders of the top foundations and civic organizations in the Cleveland area inviting them to the East Cleveland Public Library for a tour and a brief presentation. Reese received responses from 98% of the people he invited, including the top two executives from both the Cleveland Foundation and the George Gund Foundation.

The library tour made a significant impact on the prospective donors. "I had a vision I wanted to illustrate, so I knew I had to bring these people together in my place. This was the key. They could see firsthand that the kids were cramped, and we needed more space," said Reese.

Several months after the presentation and numerous letters and followups by Reese, the Cleveland Foundation became the first organization to agree to support the project by donating $1 million for the project. Other donors signed on to support the project after the Cleveland Foundation's initial donation, including the George Gund Foundation, which donated $250,000 and an additional $46,000 for a consultant to assist Reese with securing additional funding. Morton November donated $250,000 in memory of his daughter, the namesake for the Debra Ann November Wing of the East Cleveland Public Library.

Reese is now a mere $300,000 from the $3.7 million project goal and continues to use his relationship skills to seek donors who will help the East Cleveland Public Library reach its goal. Construction on the Debra Ann November Wing is expected to be completed in March 2005 and will include:

* An additional 4,000 sq. ft. for the Children's Services Department creating space to accommodate the summer reading program and enabling the library to create a specific computer area for preschoolers and school-age children;

* Space for 30 wireless computer stations to help serve the more than 1,000 patrons who take computer classes at the library and the more than 6,000 patrons who use library computers for Internet access and general reference;

* A 250-seat performing arts center that will accommodate the more than 2,000 who attend musical programs, lectures, and workshops at the library; and

* A worthy place to house the Black Heritage Collection featuring African American artifacts and literature collected and bequeathed to the library by local historian lcabod Flewellen, who was founder of the Cleveland African American Museum.

"This has been such a positive experience. The East Cleveland area has always received such negative press. Now our efforts with this library expansion are making the news, and it's making people look at us in a more positive light," said Reese, "A local official told me recently, 'We look at your library as the premiere institution in our community.'"

BY MACKENZIE BETTS

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, THE OHIO LIBRARY COUNCIL

Mackenzie Betts is Director of Communications for the Ohio Library Council. She can be contacted at (614) 416-2258 or mbetts@olc.org.