The Knoxville Public Library Capital Campaign Kick-Off was held Friday afternoon. The library, with the help of children, unveiled the total amount raised so far for the expansion project.

So far $3,824,126 towards the total cost of $4.25 million for the project has been raised. Private donations as part of the “quiet campaign” for the project included lead gifts from the Weiler Foundation, Don and Margaret Long, the Pella Rolscreen Foundation, the Kuyper Foundation and the Iowa State Savings Bank, among others. As a result of the quiet campaign and a successful $2,500,000 bond issue vote, the Knoxville Public Library campaign has raised nearly 90% of its goal as of today’s kick-off. The fundraising campaign will help fund expansion, making it possible to renovate the existing two-story library and build a one-story addition. The project addresses needs for all community members, and will include expanding areas for children, teens and adult programs. Adding more internet stations, growing the audiovisual materials collection, building study rooms and extending shelving for the library’s collection of books and periodicals are all part of the expansion plan.