Ashland Library Fundraising Committee
Reaches $120,0000

ASHLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, August 8, 2004… The Ashland Library Fundraising Committee announced today they have reached their first goal of $120,000. While the $5 million Building and Expansion Project is covered by state and town funds, the original grant application agreed to raise $500,000 for furnishings, computers, and other items for the 22,000 square foot facility. The Fundraising Committee hopes to raise the additional $380,000 in time for the opening of the new library in September 2005.

While the renovation and expansion were still in the planning stage, Boksoon Hahn made the first donation, the Main Circulation Desk, in memory of her husband Kyuyoung Hahn, a diplomat for the Korean Embassy. Mrs. Hahn, now retired, was a secretary to the First Lady of Korea and a librarian at Yale University. Presently a page at the Ashland Public Library, she said, "My husband's life was books his whole life-- from his Doctorate of Law from Yale University and throughout his career. The gift continues his memory."

William Bell focused his donation on the renovated part of the original library. He explained, "As a child I was impressed when I was shown the marble memorial plaque with the names of my relatives listed among those who had served our community in the Civil War. Now I am taking the opportunity to memorialize additional family members for their service in public education by financially supporting our community's updating of our public library. I hope others will also take this opportunity for permanent recognition of their family members."

The Middlesex Savings Bank, a long-time supporter of the Library through its annual funding of the Library's museum passes, is the largest corporate donor to date. Its $30,000 contribution will provide for the Children's Reading Area.

The Memorial to Girl Scout Leaders of Ashland will go to the Exhibit Area, and the Friends of the Ashland Public Library has chosen to fund the Children's Circulation Desk. Worcester Air Company is underwriting the Children's Computer Area, and the Perini Corporation has the Young Adult Reading Area. Other significant donors are the children of the Warren School, 3-C Electric Company, and Framingham Co-operative Bank. Malcolm Cheever of the Fundraising Committee said, "Some of these contributors not only gave generous donations but also gave advice and encouragement."

Scheduled to open in September, 2005 the new Ashland library will be handicapped accessible and will feature a children’s department, young adult room, reference department, quiet study areas, additional public access computers, and an expanded large print area.

The town library is currently being housed in a temporary location at 466 Chestnut Street. For more information on the Ashland Library, or to make a donation, visit www.friendsoftheashlandlibrary.com.