The Meaford Public Library recently received an early Christmas present when Mary-Louise and Paul Craven gave a donation of $10,000 for the new library building.

"We have been Meaford library patrons for more than 30 years and wanted to show how much the library means to us by donating $10,000 to the new Meaford Public Library building," Mary-Louise Craven said at the recent cheque presentation. "The library has been and continues to be an important institution in Meaford, but we need a larger, accessible building for our library to support our community. In our view, the site at 11 Sykes North is going to be ideal."

"We would like the funds to help create a reading room in recognition of past library supporters, amongst whom were my grandparents, Dr. Harry Hartman and Alice Hartman," explained Mary-Louise. "We want our library to build on the past while contributing to the present and future development of our community."

In accepting the donation, Library board chair Mike Poetker noted, "We are very pleased that one of Meaford's founding families has been first to give a substantial donation to the Meaford Public Library's new building. This is terrific news for the Meaford Public Library Fundraising Campaign. We look forward to receiving other such legacy donations for our new, accessible library."

The Friends of the Meaford Library will be collecting donations and issuing charitable receipts for donations over $20. Library supporters are invited to donate to the Library Campaign by taking advantage of a year-end charitable donation and tax receipt for 2017. Cheques made out to the Friends of the Meaford Library can be dropped off at the library, or donate online at: https://friendsofmeafordlibrary.ca/the-campaign

"The new Meaford Public Library will be a huge benefit for both residents and visitors to the Municipality, providing the current excellent level of library services, programs, and resources in a completely accessible venue. Construction on the new library is estimated to begin in early 2019," said the municipality.

source: media release, Friends of Meaford Library