Capital Campaign 2020

Campaign to Update and Fund a Library for the 21st Century

                             

The goal of the Campaign has been to provide increased access to Library services for all patrons. This means improved physical access to all areas of the Library, regardless of disabilities, and it also means digital and infrastructure upgrades that allow access to the Library from wherever our cardholders may be. An internal refurbishment has refreshed, redesigned and re-equipped our Library to keep up with evolving user needs. The Capital Campaign has received pledges from more than 80 leadership donors, including grants from the Town of Stonington and the State of CT. The entire community, from river to river and beyond, has joined together to help us reach our goal and make this plan a reality.

In recent years, community usage of SFL's services has grown well beyond their intended capacity. With over 70,000 annual visits, more than 50,000 items checked out, 600 Summer Reading Program participants and more, the capabilities of our charming but outdated facility had become increasingly stretched. To address these challenges, the Library Director and Board of Trustees developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide the necessary work of expanding the Library's potential. Based on the results of a community-wide survey, the Plan incorporates three linked initiatives:

Increase Floor Space and Improve Accessibility

If your wanderings have included walking through Stonington Borough, no doubt you saw the external progress being made on the new accessible entrance. This part of the project constructed a new 700sf addition on the east side of the Library’s central section, providing an accessible entrance, elevator, and bathrooms, while also freeing up 575sf of floor space within the existing building, resulting in a total of 1,275 additional square feet of usable space that complies with Americans with Disabilities guidelines. Click here to see our construction project in progress.  

Refurbish and Upgrade Interior

The renovation of the Library's existing interior is designed for flexibility and user comfort. Easily configured furnishings and seating compliment the open areas, and mobile shelving provides functional meeting areas for individuals and groups. Enhanced electrical infrastructure and fiber-based broadband gives users up-to-date technology that connects the Library’s past, present, and future. Click here to watch our construction project in progress. 

Build Financial Sustainability

SFL depends upon its endowment for funds to maintain its physical plant, sustain its programs and services, and attract and retain our talented and caring staff. Successful completion of the Capital Campaign has added to our endowment, safeguarding the Library’s future financial stability while also generating increased current income to fund enhanced programs and services for an ever expanding and diverse group of users.

Our story began with the donation of just a single dime.  Please help us continue the next chapter.  Donate today.

Construction

Artist conceptual sketch of new addition.
Rendering of addition.
Elevator pit dig.
Infrastructure of the base of the elevator pit.
First concrete pour of the entire project - focused on the base of the elevator pit.
Walls are being formed.
The new elevator between the first and second floors.
Rendering of the transition between the main room and the new addition.
 

Ways to Give

We are able to accept a wide variety of charitable gifts, from straightforward cash and credit card donations to gifts of stocks, bonds, and other retirement assets. We are happy to discuss various giving options with you, and your professional financial advisors can also help to determine what type of gift best meets your personal financial needs.

Cash

Donations of any amount can be made by cash, check, money order or credit card, and are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
● Checks and money orders should be made payable to the Stonington Free Library, and mailed (or delivered in person) to the Library at PO Box 232, 20 High Street, Stonington CT 06378.
● Credit card donations may be made online.
● If you mail your donation, please be sure to specify “Capital Campaign 2020” in the memo line, and let us know if the gift is being made in honor or memory of a particular individual so we can make appropriate acknowledgement.

Donor Advised Funds

Gifts may be made payable to the Stonington Free Library, PO Box 232, 20 High Street, Stonington CT 06378, Tax ID #06-0665194.

Appreciated Securities

Gifts may qualify for a tax deduction equivalent to the current market value of the securities (as
determined by IRS rules and regulations). In addition, no capital gains tax is incurred by the
donor when appreciated securities are transferred.
● The value of the donation is based upon the value of the securities on the date
they are received by SFL.
● Gifts of publicly-traded securities held at a brokerage can be electronically
transferred to us using an automated transfer system. Please contact the Library
for the account information your agent will need to perform the transfer and to
ensure the proper receipt and acknowledgment of your gift of securities.

IRA Distribution

Charitable Rollover provisions may present a huge opportunity for generous donors like you to
contribute to the Library’s Capital Campaign while reducing taxable income at the same time.
● If you or a family member are age 70 ½ or older as of December 31, 2019,
contributions made directly from your IRA to the Stonington Free Library (up to a
maximum of $100,000 per year) are not reported as taxable income.
● Your tax-free gift from your IRA can count toward your Required Minimum
Distribution.
● For a sample IRA Rollover Letter to be given to your financial institution, please
contact Stephanie Calhoun, Director of Development at the Stonington Free
Library: (860) 535-0658 or development@stoningtonfreelibrary.org

Matching Gifts

Corporations can potentially up to double your gift if your company or organization has a matching program. Many companies match donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. Requesting a matching gift is normally a five-minute process that must be initiated by the donor. Please check with your HR Department for more information.