Library Prepares Fundraising Campaign For New Facility

The is gearing up for a fundraising campaign it hopes will raise millions of dollars toward a new facility.

The library foundation and many volunteers are also preparing to speak to 100 to 200 people, through interviews, focus groups and surveys, to find out what the community is looking for in a new library and how much money could be raised, said Jodi Sweeney, president of the Sweeney Group.

The Sweeney Group is a fundraising consultant assisting the library in raising money for the new building.

"My job is to help the library raise as much money as possible for the interior of the library so that you have a building that the entire community is proud of — a 21st century library," Sweeney told the common council Tuesday.

Officials are hoping to raise between $3 million and $5 million to fund the interior of the building — items such as furniture, fixtures, technology and kids' areas.

Sweeney said a report will be presented to the Oak Creek Library Board in October, with the fundraising campaign to begin soon after. Sweeney hopes to raise half the money by the time ground is broken in 2013.

The building will be constructed as part of the Drexel Town Square development, now a vacant lot at the corner of Drexel and Howell avenues. The city plans to open a new library and city hall in 2014.

Residents are invited to give their feedback on a new library through a survey on the Oak Creek Library's website.