How a small Modesto group raised $3 million for a beloved community library | Opinion

When asbestos was discovered throughout the 50-year-old Modesto Library, a downtown landmark since 1971, the mini-facelift that had been planned for new lighting and some paint suddenly became an opportunity in disguise.

Friends of the Modesto Library resolved to supplement the $18 million in public funds from Stanislaus County, the City of Modesto, state library grants and library reserves by raising an additional $3 million, and elevate the refurbishment effort to a level of excellence that would have been unattainable with public funds alone.

Mind you, Friends of the Modesto Library is a passionate but small organization whose operating budget usually hovers around $26,000 per year, so it’s understandable that some people in the community wondered whether we could actually pull off this feat.

However, in November, the Lifelong Legacy campaign achieved its goal. With the additional funds, the library will have better, more comfortable furnishings, a reimagined Early Childhood Development area, tech upgrades, quiet reading rooms and more.

How did we do it? We believe it was possible for three reasons:

A bastion of truth

First, even in these divisive times, when it seems people can agree on very little, virtually everyone believes that libraries are an essential element of a thriving democracy.

“The public library is the enduring legacy of a free, advanced democracy and the hope of every generation,” said Katy Menges, library advocate and fundraising co-chair. “Without free, public libraries, democracies would not thrive or survive.”

In an era where threats of banning books and censorship are bubbling up, libraries remain a bastion of truth and unbiased information. In fact, Friends of the Modesto Library came into being in 1974, shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of a case that would tighten obscenity laws.

At that time, Stanislaus County Librarian Oscar Smaalders was concerned about a return to censorship and a siege of book banning as a result of the court decision. There had been some local complaints concerning nude images in a library art display and certain four-letter words found in a songbook at the library. Birch Society members wanted their books in the library, but not alongside any books about communism. Friends of the Modesto Library was subsequently formed in part to advocate for the public’s free access to information.

Community support

Second, the community support from corporations, businesses and hundreds of private individuals was remarkable: Modestans — even those who don’t regularly visit the library — understand that a vibrant public library is a magnet for attracting a talented workforce.

A library is tangible evidence that a community believes in supporting literacy and education.

Libraries are essential

Third, we believe people really understand the importance and relevance of libraries for today and into the future.

The importance of libraries extends beyond the books they house: Libraries are where communities come together; where children find their first adventure; where the playing field is leveled; and where everyone has access to reading, learning and technology.

With this appreciation comes the awareness that in Stanislaus County, our libraries are funded by a 1/8-cent sales tax, which was first approved by voters in 1994 and has since been renewed time and again. This tax, which costs the average citizen about $35 per year, provides more than 85% of our libraries’ operating revenue.

“The overwhelming success of this audacious capital campaign, and the continued support for the special sales tax that funds our operations, is evidence that the residents of Stanislaus County value libraries and see them as an investment in our shared future,” said County Librarian Sarah Dentan.

As “Harry Potter” character Hermione Granger said: “When in doubt, go to the library.”

Thanks to the commitment, faith and generosity of hundreds, our beautiful, newly renovated library will reopen next year — a living testament for generations to come.

Denise Nordell is campaign chair of Friends of the Modesto Library.