Around the Creek: Library Foundation presents $1 million check to the city

"In these times of budget crisis and state takeaways, we bring you good news and a large check, a very large check."

So said Kathy Hicks, former mayor and vice president of the Walnut Creek Library Foundation, to the City Council on Tuesday night. 

The very large check was in the amount of $1 million and fulfilled the foundation's pledge to raise $5 million to help build the new library, which opened in July at a final cost of $39.9 million. 

The foundation raised this final million ahead of schedule with the cooperation of the city, the Contra Costa County Library system and thousands of community members, Hicks said.

Libraries are important to communities because they “are more than brick and mortar or statistics," Hicks said in a statement released earlier Tuesday. "They play a valuable role in engaging our community through programs and access to resources. They provide a welcoming environment for people from all walks of life and ages.”

The foundation also raised additional funds for the new library’s opening day collection as well as furnishings and equipment in the Technology Center, Conference Room and Business Center. 

Thousands of community members made donations of all sizes for the new library. Businesses and community foundations also contributed.

Attendance and materials circulation has been high, with 50,000 visitors in the first month. The Walnut Creek library is expected to have the largest circulation in the county library system.

More than 40,000 Walnut Creek residents now hold library cards, Hicks added.

The WC Library Foundation continues to raise funds for materials, programs and  other needs at the Walnut Creek and Ygnacio Valley libraries. According to the foundation, the need for private fund raising is more important now than ever with state and county funding for libraries being reduced.

For more information, visit www.WClibrary.org or call 925.935.5395.