Printer Friendly Version - ACT II Supports Library Expansion

Pictured from Left to Right: Laura Downes, Nicole Wiles, Sunnie Scarpa, Beth Coyne, and ACT II steering committee members Priscilla MacInnis, Ann Lefler, Helise Owens, and Kim Hastings (not pictured from ACT II: Ellen Maguire)

MADISON — ACT II Thrift Shop pledged $25,000 to the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library Futures Campaign to support the creation of the new teen study room, bringing the library closer to fully funding its renovation and expansion.

“We at ACT II felt strongly that we would use this opportunity as a significant gesture of thanks for the support that the people of Madison have given us for the past 15 years. ACT II is committed to donating all shop profits to benefit children, both locally and worldwide. With the teen study room, we saw the chance to do just that, while also giving back to our steadfast community of volunteers, donors, and customers,” said Priscilla MacInnis, one of the founders of the thrift shop.

“It is so exciting to drive by and see the new building taking shape and the plans coming to life. The support of the town has been tremendous. We are thrilled that organizations like ACT II want to be part of this new library, helping to build a space for Madison youth for generations to come,” said Beth Coyne, chair of the E.C. Scranton Library’s board of trustees. In February of 2017 Madison residents approved a $9 million bond for a $15 million library renovation and expansion. A building committee selected by town officials moved the project forward with a tentative grand re-opening date of July 2020.

In addition to the bond, the library construction project is being paid for, in part, with state funds provided by the Connecticut State Library. State grants total $2,000,000. Library trustees have raised $3,500,000 to date in private donations.

“Trustees are working to raise the last $450,000 and this gift by ACT II is an important move forward. We have about 18 naming opportunities left and with the new building so visible now more people and organizations are inquiring about how they can participate in the campaign, which is wonderful,” said Nicole Wiles, chair of the development committee.

Anyone interested in learning more about a naming opportunity for the new library should contact the library at: info@scrantonlibrary.org.

Other opportunities to support the project include the purchasing of bricks that will have a small message engraved in them. They will be placed around the new library entrance and can still be purchased for $150 or $300 up until October 1, 2019. Donors interested in being named on our Golden Shovel wall should donate $1,000 or more by December 31, 2019.

Sunnie Scarpa, the Library Director, started on May 6th this year and said “it’s been so exciting to join the Scranton Library team at a time when the whole town is rallying behind us and anticipating all the great things we’ll be able to offer the community in our newly expanded space. We can’t wait to show everyone what’s possible in a 21st century library facility!” said Sunnie Scarpa, newly appointed Library Director.

For more information about the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library and its programs and offerings, visit scrantonlibrary.org or call 203-245-7365.

A community resource since 1901, the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all Madison residents by providing access to information, fostering lifelong educational and cultural learning, and cultivating relationships among our residents through the exchange of ideas.

Located in the heart of downtown Madison, the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library is a community center for lifelong learning and exploration. Along with a continuously updated collection of books and audiovisual materials, the library provides free computer access and wifi, early-literacy and discovery classes for children, programs and volunteer opportunities for teens, lecture series and musical performances for adults, monthly art exhibits, and free meeting space for community organizations.

During the period of time the library is under construction residents are encouraged to visit the Scranton Library at the temporary location, 1250 Durham Road, Madison. For more information about the library, visit scrantonlibrary.org or call 203-245-7365.