March 28, 2024

Sign on with Matilda

As director of the Gibson Memorial Library, I want to share some exciting updates on our fundraising progress, and let you know there is no better time than the present to add your support. If you are committed to improving the quality of life and economic opportunities in Creston and Union County, this project is for you!

On April 13, our capital campaign committee received some wonderful news. The DEKKO Foundation – a fund supporting childhood development in south central Iowa – awarded us a grant of $500,000. DEKKO has agreed to match, dollar-for-dollar, all gifts and pledges we receive up to $250,000, with another $250,000 to follow once we’ve secured a total of $2,436,000 in cash, pledges and in-kind donations.

As you can imagine, we are very eager to capitalize on this generous gift, and hope it will encourage you to add your support. One generous first-time donor has already contributed $100,000 to our DEKKO matching grant, in effect creating a gift of $200,000!

As we approach the halfway mark in our fundraising, we can sense the excitement of transforming our library into a beautiful and inviting space for all ages to gather, equipped with state-of-the-art technology that comfortably accommodates children’s programming, public meetings and our materials.

“Well begun is half done,” said Aristotle, and our trustees, capital campaign committee and the Creston Friends of the Library are determined to finish the job. But we very much need your help! Please give if you can. “Like” us on Facebook. Host an informational party, join our friends group or spread the good news of our recent successes. Show your pride in Matilda’s progress by picking up a yard sign at the library, with our brand, “Building on Our Legacy.”

I’m very proud of our colorful and distinctive brand, and we have large and small yards signs available for a modest donation of $25 and $15. Look for our brand at the corner of Howard and Maple, and stop in the library to purchase a sign for your yard. You’ll help us toward our goal and send the message you support this most worthy of causes. An up-to-date library is more than just a community luxury. Year-round, it is vital to maintain childhood literacy and a good quality of life for everyone. An up-to-date library ensures that our workforce has every opportunity to succeed, and in our case, preserves a critical anchor institution in uptown Creston.

Speaking of uptown Creston, I’m not spilling any grapes in mentioning that on Friday, Aug. 3, our capital campaign committee and more than 20 businesses and organizations are hosting a wine walk – “Uptown Uncorked” – and our most exciting event to date. Details and ticket sales will come soon, but in the meantime, I can assure you our volunteers have created another event that showcases the library’s role in the community, moving us all closer to “Building on Our Legacy.” As a hub of activity in uptown Creston, we’re partnering with our neighbors to show off the goods and services available uptown, and you won’t want to miss this evening of fun, fellowship and sips of fine wine. So save the date, and get ready to uncork an evening of uptown joviality, from the library to the Depot!