Giving Campaign for Kennett Library

Posted by Press Release on October 20, 2021

For more than a century, the Kennett Library has sparked literacy, connection, innovation, opportunity, and much more. As we plan and build a new library for the next generation, we invite everyone to consider a gift to the Community Giving Campaign to support this new $20 million, 33,425 square-foot Library & Resource Center.

This transformational project, in the heart of Kennett Square, includes a 110-seat auditorium, outdoor terrace, adult and children’s maker spaces, 14 meeting rooms, advanced technology capabilities, collections spread throughout the building, comfortable seating, and gathering spaces, and ample staff space. Construction is slated to begin next month, with a grand opening planned for early 2023.

The Library Board of Trustees invites all who believe in the power of libraries to join the Community Giving Campaign. “The Library is so important to the community because it provides access to opportunity, education, and learning that people wouldn’t get anywhere else. Join us in investing in the next generation of readers, leaders, and learners,” said Library Board of Trustees President Jeff Yetter.

The $20 million Imagine campaign is a public-private partnership and has raised $13 million from a variety of sources, including, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Borough of Kennett Square, East Marlborough, Kennett, New Garden, Newlin, Pennsbury, and West Marlborough townships, family and private foundations, Longwood Gardens and many generous private donors. Together these supporters have raised 65 percent of the overall project goal.

Paul Redman CEO of Longwood Gardens and honorary co-chair of the Library’s Imagine Campaign said, “The Kennett Library & Resource Center will serve as a vibrant hub of activity, knowledge, and inspiration for everyone in our community. So, I hope that you will join me in this important campaign for our community. Great communities build great libraries.”

We anticipate engagement and individual investment at every level from all parts of the community, said Collis Townsend, Imagine Campaign Chairman. “The Library is not just a public building, it’s the community’s building. Everyone has an opportunity to participate in the campaign and help make our Library all it can be. Thank you for your confidence, enthusiasm, and generous support.”

We are mailing a packet of information to all our constituents that outlines a variety of giving levels and benefits, or you can find it on the Imagine Campaign website. Any questions about the Campaign should be directed to Mary Hutchins, Campaign Associate, at mary@kennettlibrary.org.

To take a virtual tour of the new Kennett Library & Resource Center visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQxWh3catBs