Campaign Co-Chairs Steve and Pollyanna Stephens in a joint statement said that, “we believe this is one of the most important projects for the future of the community and have therefore, decided to make a strong personal commitment. We call the campaign effort Beacon to the Future.  The noted economist, Peter Drucker long ago illustrated how we now live in a knowledge economy and that education is fundamental to a successful community in the modern world. Libraries have long led the way in terms of public education and enlightenment.”

Libraries are now in a great period of renaissance. Although this is an information and technology-based time, libraries are more relevant than ever. Since ancient times and the great library at Alexandria in Egypt, libraries have been the touch-stone and repository of knowledge. The modern library indeed incorporates technology and cutting edge expertise about its use and application. The book itself not only remains relevant but books are being used and produced at a greater level than any time in history. Libraries are also a true community crossroads. The downtown library already attracts over 500,000 users annually!

Ernest Perez
Lee Pfluger
Syl Polunsky
Jon Preston
Jamie Rainey
Jim Raymond
Frank Rose
Joel Sugg
Howard Taylor
Steve Tefas

Ex Officio:
Mike Brown,
County Judge
Larry Justiss, County Librarian
Charlotte Lewis,
Administrative
Assistant
J.W. Lown, Mayor
Harold Dominguez,
City Manager

Campaign Co-Chair, Pollyanna Stephens who will lead the Design and Program committee said that, “our slogan, Beacon to the Future, will guide our thinking about the development of this project. We will look carefully at the best examples of cutting edge libraries in this country and will apply our own considerable creativity within this community to develop a facility that will be the pride of our region. We recognize the need for technology and a comfortable, functional, user friendly and exciting place. Nothing specific has been decided yet but we are imaging such things as a coffee shop, rooftop garden and possible gift shop as well as some potentially exciting collaborations with other related organizations. We will offer opportunities for public input into the design process.”

Your Help Is Needed!

This project can only move forward successfully with broad based financial support. Significant strides have already been made towards the goal with the assistance of a committee of citizens. Support will be sought from individuals, businesses and foundations. We will not be seeking local tax payer support but we will look carefully at potential sources of funding from state and federal programs that may be appropriate for civic projects such as this.

It is recognized that this would be a large undertaking. However, this is a critical juncture for all parties and the timing is right. If done properly such a project would certainly boost the downtown and also help create a center that could be a catalyst for the entire city.

Librarian, Larry Justiss stated that, “there is hard work ahead of us but with the strong citizen involvement already shown and commitment to the success of this project, the outcome will be one of the best investments that we can make in our future.”