February 3, 2003

New Kaleva Library

The New Kaleva Library, presented by the Kaleva Library Promoters, in conjunction with the Manistee County Library System, is dedicated to everyone who lives in Manistee County. Rising from the ground in the spirit of Finland, the Scandinavian building embodies the needs of all man kind by serving as a physical oasis for though, education and information. The building becomes a symbol of growth for both young and old. A place where the mind can expand, journey and absorb. Please join us in our dream for a better tomorrow.

We are contacting you to let you know about our fund raising efforts to build a new library in Kaleva, a joint effort of the Village of Kaleva, the Manistee County Library Board and our committee, the Kaleva Library Promoters.

We organized in August of 2002, when a grant from the Selma Johnson Trust was offered to furnish the interior of an out-county library. This library will serve six townships, an area of over two hundred square miles of northern Manistee County.

Since Kaleva’s present library is so inadequate, the Library Board is extremely grateful that our group came forward to spearhead the effort to build the library. The committee and Studio One architect, Mark Krauskopf, have designed a beautiful building, which fits the character of our community.

The proposed new library will offer over 2500 square feet of space, with computer stations, children’s area and space for 18,000+ books, audio visuals, periodicals and software. The present library houses only 6700 volumes, with 100 square feet of space for the children’s area which also houses the furnace and hot water heater. It does not meet today’s service codes such as offering access to the handicapped, nor is there adequate office and parking area.

We started with $3000 in seed money from the village, have had two fund-raisers (Upcoming fundraisers) as well as some initial donations and are in the process of planning ways to generate $150,000 - $200,000, which is the projected need. We are applying for grants, expect donated materials and volunteer labor and in-kind donations. In other words everyone must work together and do their part to make this a reality.

We are contacting friends with ties to the area who may not be aware of this exciting project. We realize that this time of the year some are thinking of a cause worthy of support and hope you will consider a donation to the library.

Please send your tax-deductible donation to:
Kaleva Village Office
Box 45
Kaleva MI 49645 
memo: new library fund